The Central Electricity Authority has notified new technical standards covering solar, floating solar, wind and battery energy storage projects. Effective from April 1, 2027, the regulations establish comprehensive design, safety and operational requirements for renewable energy infrastructure.
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has notified the Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, introducing detailed technical standards for solar power plants, floating solar installations, onshore and offshore wind projects, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The new regulations will come into force from April 1, 2027.
For solar power plants, the regulations prescribe a minimum design life of 25 years. Solar modules installed in corrosive environments must pass salt mist corrosion tests and incorporate bypass diodes to maintain power output in the event of individual cell failure.
The regulations also establish dedicated standards for floating solar projects. Mooring and anchoring systems must be designed based on factors such as water depth, seabed conditions, water level fluctuations and wind studies to ensure platform stability. Mooring cables are required to use corrosion-resistant materials and must maintain continuous tension despite changing water levels. In addition, floaters must be durable, recyclable and manufactured using moisture-resistant materials, while undergoing mandatory testing for strength, buoyancy, corrosion resistance and fire performance. Junction boxes, connectors and wiring installed above water must provide a minimum protection rating of IP67.
For onshore wind projects, the CEA has mandated minimum turbine spacing of five rotor diameters perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction and seven rotor diameters along the prevailing wind direction to minimise wake effects and maximise energy generation. Offshore wind projects must maintain a minimum blade-tip clearance of 22 metres above the mean high water spring level.
The amendment also introduces comprehensive technical requirements for battery energy storage systems. BESS projects with capacities of 50 MW and above must incorporate automatic generation control, grid-forming inverter capability and black-start functionality, recognising battery storage as an active grid-support resource.
The regulations further require battery modules to carry detailed manufacturing and testing labels, battery racks to include disconnection provisions, and battery containers to withstand extreme operating conditions while providing cooling and protection against moisture, dust and corrosion. Battery management systems at the module, rack and container levels must continuously monitor battery health, regulate charging and discharging, provide fault protection, balance individual cells, and communicate with power conversion and energy management systems.