The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has exempted solar and renewable energy parks developed by central public sector undertakings (CPSUs) or their joint ventures from having their Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) vetted by state government committees.

Instead, DPRs can be submitted directly to central agencies such as the Solar Energy Corporation of India, the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency, and MNRE.

However, these developers must still obtain approval from their respective boards for infrastructure development charges, operations and maintenance (O&M) charges, land lease charges, and return on equity. These charges must comply with the norms established in the Ministry’s 2019 guidelines.

Solar and renewable energy parks developed by state government undertakings must continue to have their DPRs, alongside park infrastructure development charges, O&M charges, and other related charges such as lease rent, be approved by the respective state government’s department of power, energy, or renewable energy. The approval must confirm that the charges adhere to the Ministry’s guidelines.

Private developers must also continue obtaining approval from the state government committee per the existing guidelines.

The solar park program was extended until March 31, 2026.

Implemented first in December 2014, the program was rolled out to set up at least 25 solar parks and ultra mega solar power projects with 20 GW capacity within five years starting FY 2014-15. The target was later increased to 40 GW in March 2017, with parks proposed to be set up by FY 2023-24.

Last July, Union Minister of New Renewable Energy & Power R. K. Singh informed that the government had approved 50 solar parks across 12 states with a combined capacity of 37,990 MW. Of the approved parks, 11, with a total 8,521 MW project capacity, are fully commissioned, and seven solar parks of 3,985 MW are partially commissioned.