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CTUIL to Finalize Land and Financial Closure Norms for BESS Projects in Stakeholders Meet

The Central Transmission Utility of India Ltd. (CTUIL) has announced a stakeholder consultation meeting to discuss key norms for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, focusing on land requirements and financial closure documentation under Regulation 11A of the GNA Regulations, 2022. While the date of the session is yet to be announced, it will take place at CTUIL’s corporate office.

To streamline connectivity applications for standalone BESS projects, CTUIL has proposed a benchmark of 3 acres per 100 MWh, with applicants required to show ownership or access to at least 1.5 acres per 100 MWh when submitting applications. This move aims to standardize requirements amid the rising volume of BESS connectivity requests.

On financial closure, CTUIL mandates that Renewable Energy Generating Stations (excluding hydro), Energy Storage Systems (excluding Pumped Storage), and renewable power park developers must demonstrate closure at least six months before their Commercial Operation Date or connectivity start date. Delays in achieving this milestone can result in an extension of up to 12 months, but no further.

Applicants must submit an affidavit confirming closure, board resolutions, and financial backing proof within 15 days of achieving closure. CTUIL will review submissions every two weeks, flagging any deficiencies for correction within seven working days. Project cost benchmarks have also been set at Rs4 crore per MW for BESS, Rs7 crore for wind, Rs5 crore for solar, and Rs0.35 crore for power parks. Any undertakings below these benchmarks will not be accepted under Regulation 11A compliance.