Tamil Nadu mandates real-time data from renewable energy generators to stabilise grid

The Energy Department of Tamil Nadu has made it mandatory for all wind and solar power producers to establish real-time data communication with the State Load Despatch Centre (SLDC) to ensure grid stability.

In an official release on Tuesday, Electricity Minister R. Nirmalkumar cited a notification issued by the SLDC on May 30 requiring all wind and solar generators to install a real-time data mechanism linked to the computer-based SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. The release stated that renewable energy manufacturers must integrate real-time data with the SCADA system within 15 days of receiving the notification.

This mandate is part of the Tamil Nadu Grid Code – 2026, issued by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission. The move comes as renewable energy now meets more than 50% of the state's total electricity demand. Wind energy generation, in particular, is prone to heavy fluctuations due to its dependence on natural conditions, making real-time data essential for safe and stable grid operation.

The release noted that the state has over 12,000 wind and solar power producers, but less than 10% of them have integrated real-time data with the SLDC. Despite repeated instructions, reminder letters, and high-level meetings, approximately 90% of these green energy producers are not sharing the required data.

Failure to share real-time data will result in phased penalties: initially, 10% of the power generation will be excluded from the power dispatch and deviation settlement processes, and after 30 days, the entire generation will be excluded. If data integration is not completed within 45 days, the SLDC will initiate further action in accordance with Central Electricity Authority (CEA) regulations and inform the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.