Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022 | 19 May 2023

Why in News?

Ministry of Power & NRE (New and Renewable Energy), Government of India has chaired a meeting on Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022.

What are Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022?

• About:
  • In 2022, the Government had notified Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022 in order to further accelerate India’s ambitious Renewable Energy programmes, with the objective of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and Green Energy for all.
  • It aims to cut emissions by 45% in line with India’s updated NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) target for 2030.
  • These rules are notified for promoting generation, purchase and consumption of green energy including the energy from Waste-to-Energy plants.
• Key Features:
  • There would be a uniform Renewable Purchase Obligation (RPO). Green Hydrogen/Green Ammonia has also been included for fulfillment of its RPO.
  • Green Open Access would be allowed to any Open Access Consumer.
  • The Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer and the limit of Open Access Transaction has been reduced from 1 MW to 100 kW for green energy, to enable small consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access.
  • The transaction limit would be a minimum of 100 KW for non-captive consumers, but there is no limit for open-access transactions that has been kept for captive consumers.
    • Captive Consumers are individuals who have limited or no choice but to purchase a particular product or service due to various factors, such as market conditions, lack of alternatives, or contractual obligations.
  • Consumers are entitled to demand supply of Green Power from Discoms. Discoms would be obligated to procure and supply green power to eligible consumers.
  • Approval for Green Open Access is to be granted in 15 days or else it will be deemed to have been granted.
  • Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.
  • Consumers will be given Green Certificates if they consume green power and will also be facilitated.
• Significance:
  • The move is expected to prompt smaller industries, commercial consumers, and large households to shift towards green energy.
  • India added 1.2 GW of solar open access installations in 2021, which grew by 22 % to 513 MW during January-March 2022.
  • Hence, Green Open Access Rules 2022 are believed to be a huge steppingstone towards achieving India's commitment to 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy by 2030.

Source: PIB