Renewable energy companies still lack confidence to restart

BENGALURU: Renewable energy projects will take time to resume construction although the government has relaxed the lockdown restrictions for them.

Project developers said labour shortage is a worry and village panchayats may not allow external labour to enter as there would be a virus risk. “Mobilising the team will be a challenge. If people have gone across the country, they are not going to come back. And if the project is in a village, a local government authority might be worried about migrant labour returning and the virus spreading,”a solar developer said, requesting anonymity.

There is a possibility of various layers of authorities entering the picture and attempting to interpret guidelines, according to the developer.

Activity may begin on projects that are already close to commissioning, the person said. “If a project is 80% done, it makes sense to get it across the line. If it hasn’t started, then it is more debatable.”

Developers and contractors may want to manage risks for their employees.

Solar rooftop projects are not expected to be commissioned at this time.