Renewable Energy Business

Overview of Renewable energy business

Renewable energy is derived from natural sources that are replenished or renewed over time, such as solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and biomass. Unlike non-renewable energy sources, such as petroleum, which are limited and will eventually run out, renewable energy sources are abundant. They can be harnessed to generate energy without depleting the resource. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly popular due to climate change, air pollution, and energy security concerns. In addition, technological advances have made renewable energy more affordable and efficient, making it a more viable alternative to non-renewable energy sources.

Start renewable energy business setup in India

The renewable energy business in India is rapidly growing and offers several opportunities for businesses to invest and participate in the development of renewable energy projects. India has set a goal of achieving 450 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030, which includes solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable energy sources.

The government has launched several initiatives and policies to support the growth of renewable energy, such as the National Solar Mission, the Solar Park scheme, and the Wind Energy Development Program. These initiatives provide various incentives, such as tax benefits, subsidies, and preferential tariffs for renewable energy projects.

Acts and Regulations

• Electricity Act, 2003
• National Tariff Policy, 2016
• National Renewable Energy Policy, 2022
• Companies Act, 2013
• Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
• Environment Protection Act, 1986
• Trademark Act, 1999

What are the different types of renewable energy technologies available in India?

Solar energy: India has a significant potential for solar energy due to its abundant sunlight throughout the year. Solar energy can be harnessed through solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar thermal technologies, and concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. The country has set a target of installing 100 GW solar power capacity by 2022.

Wind energy: India is the world's fourth-largest wind power market, with a total installed capacity of over 41 GW as of September 2021. Wind energy can be harnessed through the use of wind turbines, and it is especially prevalent in coastal regions and hilly areas.

Hydro energy: India has significant hydropower potential, with several large rivers and hilly regions. Hydro power can be generated and stored through large hydropower projects, small hydro projects, and pumped storage facilities.

Biomass energy: India has a significant potential for biomass energy, which can be derived from agricultural waste, forestry waste, and municipal solid waste. Biomass energy can be harnessed through biogas plants, biomass gasifiers, and other technologies.

Geothermal energy: India has geothermal potential, mainly in the Himalayan region. Geothermal energy can be harnessed through geothermal power plants and heat pumps.

Tidal energy: India has significant potential for tidal energy due to its long coastline. Tidal energy can be harnessed through the use of tidal stream turbines and tidal barrage systems.

What are the essential Documents needed to start a renewable energy Business in India?

Different types of renewable energy businesses require different types of documents; however, there are a few standard documents these are:

• Company Incorporation
• Articles of Association
• Memorandum of Association
• GST Registration
• Trademark Registration
• MSME Registration
• Shop and Establishment license
• Pollution NOC
• Permanent Account Number (PAN)
• Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)
• Bank Account details
• Loan Documents
• CEIG Approval

The process to obtain the certificate for renewable energy certificate

• You need to apply to the Renewable Energy Certificate Registry of India. The application can be made online through the Web-based application or physically with Central Agency. The application must be made in Format 2.1. The application should contain information such as owner details, Generation station details, Accreditation certificate, facility commission schedule and other relevant information.
• The applicant will receive a unique acknowledgement number for the application. This unique number will remain the same for all future applications relating to the RE generation project.
• The Central agency will conduct preliminary scrutiny of the application. The applicant has to pay the registration charges, and the agency is bound to complete the scrutiny within two working days.
• After the preliminary scrutiny, the Central agency will write to the applicant for any further submission of information or the reasons for rejection/ registration of the application. The applicant shall be informed about it in two working days.

The scrutiny shall be completed on the following parameters:

• A Valid Certification of Accreditation by a State Agency
• Date of Commissioning or Proposed Commissioning or Commissioning Schedule for new projects.
• Undertaking that it has not entered into any Power Purchase Agreement at preferential tariff as may be determined by the Appropriate Commission
• Details of payment of registration fees/charges

The Central Agency will issue a "Certificate for Registration" to the applicant as an "Eligible Entity" upon inspecting and verifying the conditions outlined in Step 5. This certificate confirms the applicant's eligibility to receive Renewable Energy Certificates for their proposed Renewable Energy Generation project and assigns a specific entity-wise and project-wise code number for future correspondence with the Central Agency. Typically, the registration process will be finalized within 15 days of receiving complete information. If the registration is denied, the reasons for the rejection will be documented and communicated to the applicant in writing.

If the Central Agency approves the registration of an Eligible Entity, it will also inform the following parties about the registration of the Eligible Entity for the specific Renewable Energy generation project:

• The host State Agency
• The host State Load Despatch Center
• The Power Exchanges, as defined under Clause 2(1) j of the CERC REC Regulation