Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL) has released a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) installations integrated with Renewable Energy (RE) projects in the state. The draft framework aims to create a structured mechanism for ensuring compliance, improving grid stability, and promoting reliable clean energy supply across Rajasthan.

The SOP has been introduced by RRECL in its role as the designated nodal agency under the Rajasthan Integrated Clean Energy Policy, 2024. The framework follows directions issued by the Rajasthan State Power Sector Companies’ Coordination Committee and the Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC). It focuses on mandatory BESS integration for selected renewable energy projects connected to the State Transmission Utility (STU) and distribution company (DISCOM) networks.

The primary objective of the proposed guidelines is to strengthen renewable energy integration by enabling energy storage, supporting round-the-clock renewable power supply, improving grid flexibility, and helping DISCOMs meet their prescribed energy storage obligations.

Under the draft SOP, BESS installation requirements have been divided into two major categories. The first category applies to new large renewable energy projects, excluding hydro projects, connected to the STU network with capacities above 5 MW. Such projects will be required to install BESS with a minimum storage duration of two hours. The storage capacity must be equivalent to at least 5% of the total renewable energy project capacity.

The second category covers captive consumers with renewable energy capacity exceeding 100% and up to 200% of their contracted demand. For additional renewable capacity beyond the 100% threshold, consumers will be required to install BESS equivalent to at least 20% of the energy generated from that additional capacity.

To ensure transparent monitoring and accurate measurement of storage operations, RRECL has proposed the installation of dedicated separate meters for BESS charging and discharging activities. The draft SOP does not allow combined single-meter arrangements for measuring storage performance. Compliance will be monitored through monthly Joint Meter Reading (JMR) submissions, annual verification processes, and yearly performance reports to be submitted by plant managers by May 31 every year.

RRECL is also developing a dedicated digital platform for stakeholders to submit reports, upload meter readings, and track compliance status. The draft guidelines further specify that mandatory BESS systems cannot be removed, decommissioned, or relocated without prior written approval from the concerned authorities.

The SOP introduces strict penalties for non-compliance. Under Category A violations, projects failing to install required BESS, removing storage systems without approval, or facing prolonged storage unavailability exceeding 30 days continuously or 45 days in a quarter may face cancellation of commissioning certificates, withdrawal of open access, wheeling, banking, or captive benefits. If violations continue beyond 90 days, project registration and grid connectivity may also be withdrawn.

Category B violations cover cases where projects are commissioned with lower-than-required BESS capacity. In such cases, wheeling benefits will be restricted proportionately, and developers will have six months to install the pending storage capacity. Failure to address the shortfall may result in Category A penalties.

RRECL has invited comments and suggestions from renewable energy developers, industry associations, consultants, and other stakeholders. The draft SOP is available on the corporation’s official website, and stakeholders have been provided a 15-day period from the date of issuance to submit their feedback through email. The proposed framework marks a significant step toward accelerating energy storage adoption and building a more flexible renewable energy ecosystem in Rajasthan.