CERC Grants Final Extension For Commissioning Of 100 MW Hybrid Power Project In Gujarat

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued an order dated March 23, 2026, in response to a petition filed by Ayana Renewable Power Four Private Ltd. (ARPFPL), seeking an extension for the injection of infirm power for its 100 MW hybrid power project in Kutch, Gujarat.

The project, which combines 92.4 MW of wind capacity and 37.5 MW of solar capacity, is designed to supply round-the-clock renewable energy to Hindalco Industries Ltd. While the solar component and most of the wind turbines have already been commissioned, a portion of the project—13.2 MW of wind capacity—remains incomplete. This pending capacity includes four specific wind turbine generators identified as NKT-14, NKT-19, NKT-76, and NKT-77.

As per the provisions of the 2023 Grid Code, renewable energy generators are allowed to inject infirm power into the grid for a maximum of 45 days after receiving First Time Charging approval. This period can be extended by the Western Regional Load Despatch Centre (WRLDC) for up to three months. Any extension beyond this duration requires approval from CERC, with the application to be submitted at least 15 days before the expiry of the permitted timeline.

In this case, the petitioner’s approved extension period ended on October 15, 2025. However, ARPFPL filed its petition only on February 11, 2026, resulting in a delay of 133 days. Despite the procedural lapse, the company explained that the delay occurred due to multiple unforeseen challenges that affected the progress of the project.

The developer cited several reasons for the delay, including security-related restrictions during a military operation in May 2025, which halted site work. This was followed by heavy monsoon rains from June to September 2025 that made the project site inaccessible for extended periods. The company also faced Right-of-Way issues, which are common challenges in infrastructure projects, along with repeated damage to optical fiber cables and transmission lines caused by bird activity. Additionally, a theft incident at the site in November 2025 further impacted project timelines.

The WRLDC informed the Commission that it had no objection to granting the requested extension. After reviewing the case, CERC observed that although the petitioner did not strictly adhere to the procedural requirements for filing the extension request, it had made substantial progress in commissioning most of the project capacity under difficult conditions.

Taking these factors into account, the Commission exercised its “Power to Relax” under Regulation 57 of the Grid Code. It stated that allowing the remaining capacity to remain unutilized due to procedural delays would not be in the larger interest of renewable energy development.

Accordingly, CERC condoned the delay in filing the petition and granted a final extension of 20 days from the date of the order. This extension will allow ARPFPL to inject infirm power and complete the remaining commissioning activities for the pending 13.2 MW wind capacity.

The Commission also clarified that the recognition of these events was limited strictly to the purpose of granting the extension and would not be considered for any other legal or contractual claims by the petitioner.