The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has advised state governments and power sector public sector undertakings to consider granting up to four months’ extension to renewable energy projects delayed due to disruptions arising from the West Asia crisis.
The relief will be provided under the Force Majeure provisions included in Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, in its order dated April 29, 2026, clarified that the prevailing West Asia situation may be treated as a war-related Force Majeure event, allowing eligible projects to receive additional time.
The advisory, issued on August 21, applies to renewable energy projects whose scheduled supply or commissioning dates, including previously extended dates, fall on or after February 28, 2026.
Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies (REIAs), including SECI, NTPC, NHPC and SJVN, along with state and Union Territory power and renewable energy departments, may grant extensions to the Scheduled Commencement of Supply Date (SCSD) or Scheduled Commissioning Date (SCD) of affected projects.
However, the extension will not be automatic. Project developers will have to submit their requests, and the concerned agencies will assess them according to the applicable Force Majeure provisions and contractual procedures.
Why the extension was needed
Renewable energy developers have reported delays in project implementation because of disruptions linked to the West Asia situation. These disruptions can affect the movement and availability of equipment, logistics, supply chains and other project requirements.
The MNRE said it had also received requests for a blanket four-month extension for affected renewable energy projects, citing a similar advisory issued by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for real estate projects.
After examining the matter, the ministry clarified that existing renewable energy bidding guidelines already provide for Force Majeure provisions in PPAs. These provisions cover the definition of Force Majeure events, their applicability and the relief available to developers.
Therefore, rather than granting a blanket extension to every project, the ministry has advised implementing agencies to consider eligible cases individually under the relevant PPA provisions.
What this means for India’s renewable energy sector
The decision could provide temporary relief to solar, wind, hybrid and other renewable energy projects facing delays because of geopolitical disruptions.
At the same time, developers will still need to demonstrate that the delays were genuinely linked to circumstances covered by the Force Majeure provisions of their agreements.
The move comes as India continues to rapidly expand renewable energy capacity and push towards its long-term clean-energy targets.
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