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CEA Grid-Forming and Mandatory BESS Draft: 15 October 2026 Deadline—Seven Questions Rajasthan's Solar Industry Must Raise
India's renewable-energy industry has an important regulatory opportunity before 15 October 2026. The Central Electricity Authority is inviting comments on proposed technical requirements for grid-forming inverters and co-located energy storage. These are draft proposals, not final regulations. For Rajasthan, they could affect project engineering, financing, connectivity and commissioning.
Deadline Update: 15 October, Not 4 October
CEA published its proposed Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Construction of Electric Plants and Electric Lines) 2nd Amendment Regulations, 2026 in September. An official notice dated 30 September extended the original 4 October consultation deadline to 15 October 2026. Older explanations citing 4 October should be corrected.
What Does the Draft Propose?
The proposed Regulation 106B(20) includes at least 15% of renewable-plant inverters having grid-forming control for plants commissioned after 1 July 2027, and grid-forming control for battery-storage power conversion systems within the stated framework. For specified ground-mounted solar and onshore wind plants commissioned after 1 July 2027, the proposal includes co-located storage power capacity of at least 10% of installed plant capacity for two hours. For the specified period after 1 July 2029 through 30 June 2031, the proposed minimum duration increases to four hours. These requirements remain subject to finalisation.
What Would a 100 MW Solar Project Need?
Ten percent of 100 MW is 10 MW of storage power capacity. At two hours that is 20 MWh of energy; at four hours it is 40 MWh. MW measures power while MWh measures energy. Storage cost depends on equipment and engineering, not merely the duration ratio.
Why Grid-Forming Technology Matters
Conventional grid-following inverters synchronise with an existing voltage and frequency reference. Grid-forming controls can establish or support those references and help system stability. But actual capabilities depend on design, protection settings, energy availability and testing. A product label alone does not demonstrate every grid-support function.
Question 1: Which Projects Are Covered?
Broad grid-forming language and more specific storage provisions should be reconciled. Industry needs clear project categories, voltage levels, size thresholds and treatment of rooftop, captive and distributed systems. REAR recommends defining each obligation's applicability separately.
Question 2: What Does 15% Mean?
Does 15% refer to the number of inverter units or their rated capacity? These are not equivalent when inverters vary in size. REAR recommends a precise measurement basis and treatment of replacements or augmentations.
Question 3: How Will Performance Be Tested?
Manufacturers and developers need transparent, technology-neutral testing, simulation and commissioning requirements. Clarify model certification, site-specific studies, interaction with grid-code obligations and avoidance of duplicate tests.
Question 4: How Is Storage Capacity Verified Over Time?
Distinguish nameplate from usable energy, degradation, state of health, augmentation and operational reserves. Define how compliance is measured throughout a battery's life rather than only on its commissioning date.
Question 5: What About Projects Already Under Development?
Projects may have land, connectivity, signed PPAs and financing before final regulations but commission after the proposed applicability date. Clarify transition rules and relevant milestones; do not assume an unstated grandfathering exemption.
Question 6: Must Storage Always Be Co-Located?
Co-located storage can provide flexibility, but some constraints are better addressed through substations, demand-centre storage or transmission reinforcement. A full battery cannot solve an unavailable evacuation corridor. Examine whether equivalent system benefits from shared or appropriately located storage can be recognised.
Question 7: Who Pays and Who Benefits?
Mandatory storage and grid-forming capability can impose developer costs while providing wider grid benefits. Clarify dispatch obligations, frequency services, battery losses, compensation or market participation where applicable, curtailment, safety and long-term maintenance. Technical requirements need workable commercial treatment.
Transmission and Storage Must Be Planned Together
Transmission delays can constrain renewable evacuation. Storage may shift output for limited hours, but does not eliminate network constraints. Policymakers should identify whether a problem requires network investment, flexibility, or both.
Battery Safety and Workforce Readiness
Large storage systems require thermal-risk assessment, fire detection and protection, electrical isolation, emergency response, commissioning tests and maintenance. Training is important for EPC firms, OEMs, utilities, inspectors and emergency services.
How to Submit Comments
Stakeholders should consult the official CEA draft and 30 September extension notice. The draft identified celegal-cea@gov.in and the Chief Engineer, Legal Division, Central Electricity Authority, 6th Floor, Sewa Bhawan, R.K. Puram, New Delhi – 110066. The extended deadline is 15 October 2026. Identify the draft provision, provide evidence and propose specific alternative wording. Keep proof of timely submission.
REAR's Seven Consultation Priorities
REAR recommends: (1) clear applicability thresholds; (2) a precise grid-forming capacity basis; (3) harmonised testing; (4) lifecycle storage verification; (5) transition arrangements; (6) technology-neutral storage-location assessment; and (7) transparent commercial obligations. These are proposed consultation positions, not a claim that REAR has already submitted an official representation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest CEA deadline?
15 October 2026, according to CEA's extension notice dated 30 September.
Are the proposed grid-forming and storage rules final?
No. They remain draft provisions subject to the regulatory process.
What is the proposed storage requirement for a 100 MW plant?
Initially 10 MW/20 MWh under the stated proposal, with four-hour duration in the specified later period.
Does this definitely apply to residential rooftop solar?
The precise scope needs clarification; universal applicability or exemption should not be assumed.
Can industry associations comment?
Yes. The consultation invites objections and suggestions from stakeholders.
Conclusion and REAR Recommendation
India needs reliable grids and effective storage, but successful regulation requires clear definitions, realistic transition arrangements, sound safety standards and practical economics. REAR encourages Rajasthan developers, EPC companies, OEMs and technical institutions to submit evidence-based comments before 15 October 2026.
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