MNRE Extends Wind Project Commissioning Dates by an Additional 3- Months

Due to supply chain disruptions caused by pandemic and monsoon, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has granted a three-month extension in the scheduled commissioning date (SCD) of wind power projects. It went on to say that the extension would be considered on a case-by-case basis after due diligence and careful consideration of the case's specific circumstances.

According to the official statement, MNRE received various representations from the wind industry requesting additional time extensions for projects as a special case, taking into account supply chain disruption due to the second COVID-19 surge, followed by monsoon-related disruptions.

Wind turbines require a large number of components to be manufactured. Wind turbine installation also necessitates the transportation of heavy and large components such as the nacelle, tower, blades, and so on, as well as the movement of construction machinery on the job site.

MNRE considered a broad disruption period during the second COVID-19 surge, which ended on June 15, 2021. This was immediately followed by monsoon season in various parts of the country, during which the movement of heavy machinery required for wind turbine installation became a constraint, according to the statement.

About MNRE:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) is the Government of India's nodal ministry for all new and renewable energy issues. The Ministry's overall goal is to develop and deploy new and renewable energy to supplement the country's energy needs. Its objectives are:

1. Energy Security: Less reliance on oil imports through the development and deployment of alternative fuels (hydrogen, biofuels, and synthetic fuels) and their applications to help close the gap between domestic oil supply and demand;

2. Increase in the share of clean power: Renewable (bio, wind, hydro, solar, geothermal & tidal) electricity to boost fossil fuel-based electricity generation;

3. Energy Availability and Access: In the rural, urban, industrial, and commercial sectors, supplement energy needs for cooking, heating, motive power, and captive generation.

4. Energy Affordability: Cost-competitive, convenient, safe, and reliable new and renewable energy supply options; and

5. Energy Equity: By 2050, per-capita energy consumption will be on par with the global average, thanks to a sustainable and diverse fuel mix.