Grid, power sector and energy policy

Prelims and Mains

The Home Ministry has fixed how close to a frontier a renewable plant may stand. Solar, wind and hybrid renewable energy projects are barred within 1 km of the international border, the Line of Control and the Line of Actual Control.

• A project 1 km to 20 km out needs a No Objection Certificate from the Defence Ministry.
• Any project within 50 km needs Home Ministry security clearance.
• Staff from Pakistan, Bangladesh or China, and any land transfer to a foreign firm, need approval.

Prelims and Mains

Transmission is congested, so power from renewable rich States cannot reach the buyers who want it. The Green Energy Corridor is the programme that builds the lines to evacuate it, in intra-State and inter-State phases.

• The third phase of the intra-State corridor is in its final stages and has gone to the Union Cabinet for approval.
• The expected outlay is over ₹50,000 crore, and it would carry about 135 GW of renewable power out of the States that generate it.
• Right of way disputes and forest clearances have delayed the earlier phases, as have restrictions on overhead lines meant to protect the Great Indian Bustard.