The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has streamlined compliance for renewable energy projects by exempting solar module manufacturing units, solar and wind power projects, and mini hydel projects under 25 MW from obtaining both Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE).
Projects with an EC will no longer require a CTE or Consent to Operate, reducing duplication and easing the compliance process. A standard operating procedure will be implemented to integrate the CTE considerations into the EC process. State Pollution Control Boards will be consulted during the EC process to ensure environmental safeguards, although industries must still pay the CTE fee to maintain state revenue.
