MNRE to set up Renewable Energy Standardisation Cell

MNRE will set up “Renewable Energy Standardisation Cell (RESC)” to coordinate the development and adoption of standards for quality assurance in the renewables sector

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) on February 18, 2020, notified setting up of “Renewable Energy Standardisation Cell (RESC)” to coordinate the development, updation, and adoption of standards for quality assurance in the renewable energy sector, Minister of State for Power and New & Renewable Energy RK Singh has informed.

Answering a question in the Lok Sabha, the minister said that the objectives of the cell are as follows;

I. To identify the areas in the renewable energy sector where standards need to be developed /updated/ adopted.

II. Identify and peruse international standards such as ISO, IEC, etc. for applications in Indian climatic conditions. In case modifications are needed, the same should be done and tried in test labs for revision suitable for Indian climatic conditions.

III. Initiate the process of developing standards involving experts from R&D institutions, test labs and industry.

Answering another question on whether it is necessary to develop and update the standards for various renewable energy systems and their related components to achieve India’s goal of reaching 175 GW of renewable energy by 2022, the minister said “Yes! Testing and standardisation facilitate industrial participation and hence boost commercialization of renewable energy across the globe. In view of fast developments in technologies particularly in solar and wind sectors, developing and updating of standards of renewable energy systems and components is critically essential for reliability and quality assurance of renewable energy supply to utilities.”

Further adding that MNRE had in December 2017 notified the Lab Policy for Testing, Standardisation and Certification for Renewable Energy Sector, which mandates developing/updating and adopting standards for renewable energy systems and components, and setting up a robust quality infrastructure for quality assurance in renewable energy supply in the country. Regular interaction is done with experts, industry and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for development, updation, and adoption of standards. International Standards are perused for the purpose.

In response to a question on whether there is a need to provide all the information regarding programmes and policies of the Government and resolve issues related to renewable energy investors and industry, the minister said that “well-defined programmes and policies covering framework, target, guidelines, and ecosystem for commissioning of renewable energy projects, involving state governments with commitment from Discoms to purchase RE power with timely payment to RE generators are essential to creating enabling environment for investors and industry for investment in the renewable energy sector in the country.”