India's CEA Mandates Weather Stations for Large Wind, Solar Projects

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has mandated the installation of automatic weather stations (AWS) at wind and solar power plants with capacities of 50 MW or more to improve grid reliability and efficiency. This measure aims to provide accurate meteorological data, enhancing renewable energy generation predictability, optimizing output, and reducing financial penalties related to forecast errors under the Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM). The CEA has issued guidelines specifying that AWS must be installed onsite, with sensors positioned to reflect actual terrain and site conditions for both solar and wind projects. Additionally, the CEA previously advised co-locating energy storage systems with solar projects to further enhance grid stability and cost efficiency. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure regulatory compliance and support the integration of green energy into the grid. Separately, Malaysia's Tenaga Nasional Berhad has introduced the Green Electricity Tariff (GET) program, offering reduced premium rates and renewable energy certificates to encourage the adoption of clean energy nationwide.