GERC Grants Cleanmax 465-Day Extension For RE Project

GERC Grants Cleanmax 465-Day Extension For RE Project

The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission (GERC) has granted Cleanmax Vayu Pvt. Ltd. a 465-day extension to commission the evacuation infrastructure for its 100 MW renewable energy project in Jamnagar, citing delays outside the developer’s control.

The Mumbai-based company is building the plant in Devpur Ranuja, Kharedi, and Mudila villages of Kalavad Taluka under a captive model. Initially planned as a wind project, it was later modified to include 60.75 MW of solar capacity, within the approved 100 MW connectivity at Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation Ltd’s (GETCO) 220 kV Kalavad substation. The original commissioning deadline was January 27, 2025.

The extension follows Cleanmax Vayu’s petition under Sections 86(1)(c) and (f) of the Electricity Act, 2003, citing three major delays linked to GETCO’s procedural requirements and policy constraints.

Lead Generator Status Delay

The Commission allowed a 209-day extension after Cleanmax argued it could not proceed with construction until it was designated as the “lead generator” to access bay space at the substation. Coordination with earlier lead generators failed, and a High Court stay on connectivity reallocation further delayed proceedings. Cleanmax was finally allocated a bay on February 22, 2024.

GERC noted that GETCO had spare bays available and said Cleanmax faced “discriminatory treatment.” It ordered GETCO to investigate the matter.

Vendor Approval for GIS Equipment

A 256-day extension was granted for delays tied to vendor approval for Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) equipment. Cleanmax had requested permission to use GETCO’s existing Chinese vendor for faster execution but was denied due to India’s cross-border procurement policy. Forced to rely on domestic suppliers, Cleanmax faced longer delivery timelines. The order was placed with Siemens in May 2024, and drawing approval was received in September 2024.

Common Drawing Submission Delays

GERC granted another 70-day extension related to GETCO’s requirement that all developers submit joint drawings for approval—an additional condition not specified in the original connectivity procedure. Cleanmax’s coordination with other developers, particularly Suzlon, caused delays until a bay swap was approved and drawings cleared on September 11, 2024.

Total Relief

GERC ruled that the total 465-day delay was caused by factors outside Cleanmax’s control and allowed the extension. The Commission emphasized the importance of timely coordination by GETCO and other stakeholders in shared infrastructure projects.

Cleanmax Vayu is a subsidiary of the Cleanmax group, which develops renewable energy projects for corporate and industrial consumers across India.