Environmental Clearance License for Solar Power Plant - Fee, Process, Benefits & Documents

Updated on March 04, 2025 04:20:41 PM

Before starting any of the projects listed in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, project proponents must get an Environmental Clearance (EC) for Solar Power Plant. The Environmental Clearance Certificate promotes sustainable growth by guaranteeing that all operations follow environmental safety regulations. You must get an environmental clearance for Solar Power Plant before starting any on-site activity, including land preparation. An environmental clearance license for Solar Power Plant reduces adverse environmental consequences, preserves ecological equilibrium, and protects human health. Professional Utilities guarantees adherence and helps companies swiftly and efficiently receive an Environmental Clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant.

What is Environmental Clearance Certificate?

Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant is a document issued by the government that allows project development while guaranteeing adherence to environmental regulations. Environmental clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant assess a project's effects on the environment, society, and economy and offer solutions to mitigate negative outcomes.

Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant for Category A projects which pose serious environmental problems and require a federal evaluation, are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) The State Environmental Effect Assessment Authority (SEIAA) oversees Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant for smaller, high-impact Category B projects.

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Benefits of Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant

Environmental Clearance license for Solar Power Plant benefits the environment, stakeholders, and project developers by promoting sustainable development and regulatory compliance.

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Categories of Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant

Projects are classified as Category A and Category B based on their scale and environmental sensitivity.

Note: Projects near sensitive areas are treated as Category A, even if they fall under Category B.

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List of Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance Certificate for Solar Power Plant

Specific industrial, infrastructure, and construction projects for Solar Power Plant require an Environmental Clearance permit before they may function. A list of projects requiring an Environmental Clearance Licence for Solar Power Plant is listed below.

Category Project
Mining, Extraction of Natural Resources, and Power Generation
  • Mining of minerals, including coal and iron ore
  • Oil and gas exploration, development, and production
  • River valley projects
  • Thermal power plants
  • Nuclear power projects
Primary Processing
  • Coal washeries
  • Mineral beneficiation
Materials Production
  • Metallurgical industries (ferrous and non-ferrous)
  • Cement manufacturing units
Materials Processing
  • Petroleum refining industry
  • Coke oven plants
  • Asbestos milling and asbestos-based product manufacturing
  • Chlor-alkali and soda ash industries
  • Leather, skin, and hide processing industries
Construction, Area Development Projects, and Townships
  • Building and construction projects exceeding specified area thresholds
  • Townships and area development projects
Manufacturing and Fabrication
  • Chemical fertilizer production units
  • Pesticides industry and pesticide-specific intermediates
  • Petrochemical complexes and petrochemical-based processing
  • Manmade fibre manufacturing
  • Synthetic organic chemical industries
  • Distilleries and integrated paint industries
  • Pulp and paper manufacturing
  • Sugar industries
  • Induction, arc, and cupola furnaces
Service Sectors
  • Oil and gas transportation pipelines
  • Storage and handling of hazardous chemicals
  • Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
  • Industrial estates and parks
  • Biotech parks and leather complexes
Physical Infrastructure and Environmental Services
  • Airports
  • Ship-breaking yards and units
  • Ports and harbors
  • Highways and expressways
  • Aerial ropeways
  • Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs)
  • Municipal Solid Waste Management Facilities (CMSWMF)
Construction, Area Development Projects, and Townships
  • Building and construction projects exceeding specified area thresholds
  • Townships and area development projects
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Documents Required for Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant

To begin the Environmental Clearance process for Solar Power Plant, project proponents must provide several documents demonstrating compliance with environmental standards. The following documents are required for the Environmental Clearance procedure for Solar Power Plant:

For construction projects, additional documents related to energy conservation, air quality, and waste management are necessary.

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Application for Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant

The Environmental Clearance process for Solar Power Plant includes several steps, managed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) at the central level and the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) at the state level, based on the project category. Step-by-step Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant is given below:

Step 1: Application for Environmental Clearance

  • The project proponent may fill out Form 1, along with Form 1A if applicable, and submit all required documents. Projects in categories 1 to 7 must submit a Pre-Feasibility Report, while projects in category 8 must give a Conceptual Plan.

Step 2: Application Screening

  • The Appraisal Committee examines the application, which applies to Category B projects only, to determine whether the project requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). If an EIA is required, the project is classed as Category B1; otherwise, it is classified as Category B2, without the need for thorough environmental evaluations.

Step 3: Application Scoping

  • The proposed Terms of Reference (ToR) that outline the scope of the environmental studies, are reviewed by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC). A site visit may be conducted if necessary. The applicant is notified of the outcome within 60 days if the application is denied.

Step 4: Public Consultation

  • The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution Control Committee (PCC) organizes a public hearing and written responses for the impacted community to provide feedback during public consultation. The time frame is extended by an additional 45 days if the SPCB does not hold the hearing within that time frame. Before submitting the final documents, the applicant must address the issues brought up during this phase and make revisions to the EIA and Environmental Management Plan (EMP).

Step 5: Appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee

  • The application, the EIA, outcomes of the public consultation, and all submitted documents are examined by the Expert Appraisal Committee. After submission of the final Environmental Assessment Report, the committee has 60 days to make a decision.

Step 6: Grant of Environmental Clearance Certificate

  • Following the recommendations made by the EAC or SEAC, the applicant is informed of the regulating authority's decision by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) or the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). After obtaining the recommendations, the Environmental clearance certificate is issued within 45 days.
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Fees for Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant

The fee for Environmental Clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant varies based on the total project cost. Tabulated below are the applicable fees and public hearing expenses:

Total Project Cost Application Fees for Environmental Clearance Public Hearing Expenses
Upto ₹50 lakh ₹10,000 Entire expenses to be borne by the project proponent
Above ₹50 lakh and upto ₹1 crore ₹20,000
Above ₹1 crore and upto ₹5 crore ₹50,000
Above ₹5 crore and upto ₹10 crore ₹1,00,000
Above ₹10 crore and upto ₹25 crore ₹2,00,000
Above ₹25 crore and upto ₹100 crore ₹4,00,000
Above ₹100 crore ₹5,00,000

Note: The professional fee for Environmental Clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant starts from ₹99,000 (exclusive of GST).

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Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a critical component of the Environmental Clearance process, predicting potential impacts and proposing mitigating strategies. The Environmental Impact Assessment includes:

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Environmental Clearance for Expansion or Modernization for Solar Power Plant

Any expansion in project capacity, area, or technology update has to be done through a new application for Environmental Clearance licence for Solar Power Plant. This ensures that updated environmental standards are consistently met.

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Environmental Clearance Validity for Solar Power Plant

An Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant has a validity ranging from 5 to 30 years, depending on the type of project. Construction projects have a shorter validity period, while large infrastructure and mining projects may have a longer duration. The standard validity periods of Environmental Clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant are:

It is important for project proponents to comply with the terms of the Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant during its validity period in order to maintain compliance with environmental regulations.

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Environmental Clearance Renewal for Solar Power Plant

To extend the validity, submit a renewal application for Environmental Clearance (EC) for Solar Power Plant before the validity has expired. The application must include updated project information, compliance reports, and, if applicable, public hearing records. Authorities will review these submissions to confirm adherence to environmental standards before granting an extension. Missing deadlines of renewal for Environmental Clearance for Solar Power Plant may lead to project delays and legal penalties.

For construction projects the project proponent must submit an amended application using Form 1 and additional Form 1A. After consultation with the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the regulating authority may extend the Environmental Clearance validity. However, this consultation is optional and depends on the authority's discretion.

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Conclusion

Environmental clearance for Solar Power Plant promotes long-term development by limiting project environmental effect. It improves public health, conserves natural resources, and encourages environmentally sustainable industrial development. By acquiring an Environmental Clearance certificate for Solar Power Plant, project proponents can comply with national legislation, avoid legal obstacles, and involve stakeholders through public consultation. The Environmental Clearance process consists of project classification, document submission, screening, scoping, public consultation, and final evaluation. Environmental Clearance Fees vary with project cost, and validity extends from 5 to 30 years. Professional services makes acquiring the Environmental Clearance license for Solar Power Plant easier, resulting in seamless project execution and long-term ecological balance.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an Environmental Clearance Certificate for Solar Power Plant?

An Environmental Clearance Certificate for Solar Power Plant is a government-issued document that assures project development adheres to environmental standards while avoiding negative repercussions on society, the economy, and the environment.

Why is Environmental Clearance Important?

Environmental Clearance Certificate for Solar Power Plant promotes environmental sustainability, public health, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder participation, all while avoiding legal difficulties and project delays.

What is the role of environmental impact assessment (EIA)?

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses potential environmental consequences and recommends mitigation solutions for air, water, soil quality, biodiversity, noise, and socioeconomic aspects.

What documents are required for an environmental clearance for Solar Power Plant?

Documents required for an environmental clearance for Solar Power Plant include Form 1, the Environment Management Plan (EMP), the EIA Report, land use approvals, and pre-feasibility or conceptual plans.

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