MNRE Considers Rebid for Stalled Vanilla Solar and Wind Power Projects.

The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE) is considering rebidding a large number of vanilla solar and wind power projects that have stalled due to delays in signing power purchase agreements (PPAs) with distribution companies (Discoms).

The government aims to “remodel” these projects by integrating them with battery energy storage systems (BESS), enabling Discoms to better utilize the renewable energy capacity during peak demand periods when solar generation is low or absent. Vanilla renewable energy projects face challenges such as intermittency and grid stability issues, which the addition of storage systems could help address.

The issue involves approximately 40 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity, mostly conventional solar and wind projects, that remain unallocated due to the reluctance of Discoms to enter into PPAs. In April, New & Renewable Energy Minister Pralhad Joshi revealed ongoing discussions with state governments to encourage faster PPA signings to revive these projects.

The move reflects the government’s broader strategy to enhance the reliability and dispatchability of renewable power, making it more attractive and usable for the grid while supporting India’s clean energy goals.