Green Open Access in 2025: A Game-Changer for Indian Industries

Green Open Access in 2025: A Game-Changer for Indian Industries

India’s energy landscape is rapidly evolving. With increased focus on decarbonisation and energy security, industrial and commercial (C&I) consumers are rethinking the way they procure electricity. Green Open Access (GOA) has emerged as a powerful mechanism that enables businesses to source renewable power directly from off-site generators at competitive tariffs.

The Green Open Access Rules notified in 2022, and subsequent state-level implementation in 2023–2025, have simplified approvals, reduced contract demand thresholds, and opened doors for smaller consumers to participate in the green power market.

What Is Green Open Access?

Green Open Access allows eligible consumers to buy renewable power directly from generators using the existing transmission and distribution network. Instead of relying entirely on the local discom’s conventional mix, consumers can contract solar, wind, or hybrid projects located anywhere in the country (subject to regulations) and receive energy through the grid.

• Minimum contracted demand reduced to 100 kW, enabling small and mid-size units to participate.
• Simplified approval process with time-bound clearances.
• Framework for banking, surpluses and settlement of green power.
• Option to combine different technologies through hybrid or RTC (Round-The-Clock) solutions.

Green Open Access: Renewable energy projects inject clean power into the grid, which is then scheduled and delivered to eligible C&I consumers.

Key Benefits for Industrial and Commercial (C&I) Consumers

C&I consumers are among the largest electricity buyers in India and also face the highest tariffs. Green Open Access helps them reduce energy costs while meeting sustainability goals.

• Long-term tariff visibility through 10–25 year power purchase agreements (PPAs).
• Protection against volatility in grid tariffs and fuel price shocks.
• Direct contribution to Scope 2 emissions reduction and RE100 / SBTi targets.
• Option to structure power delivery as daytime, peak-support, or RTC solutions.

Regulatory Evolution and Policy Milestones

The open access framework in India has evolved over nearly two decades. The 2003 Electricity Act and subsequent regulations first enabled third-party sale of power. Over time, multiple charges and procedural hurdles made adoption uneven across states. The 2022 Green Open Access Rules sought to address many of these bottlenecks by standardising eligibility, timelines, and charges for renewable projects.

Sectoral Benefits Across Industries

From manufacturing and data centres to logistics parks and commercial real estate, different sectors can structure GOA solutions based on their load profile and growth plans.

• Manufacturing & heavy industry: Reduce energy OPEX for energy-intensive processes while meeting customer-driven sustainability expectations.
• Data centres & digital infrastructure: Source high-availability green power to support 24x7 operations and ESG commitments.
• Pharmaceuticals & chemicals: Combine solar, wind, and storage to manage process-critical loads with lower carbon footprint.
• Commercial and retail: Use GOA to green common area consumption across malls, campuses, and office parks.

Illustrative benefits of Green Open Access: lower tariffs, carbon reduction, long-term price visibility, and enhanced brand value.

Challenges in the Open Access Journey

Despite the regulatory improvements, C&I consumers still face challenges in evaluating project structures, navigating state-wise charges, and aligning internal stakeholders on long-term contracts.

• State-specific rules and charges vary significantly and change over time.
• Need for accurate demand forecasting and contract sizing.
• Balancing short-term price expectations with long-term sustainability targets.
• Grid constraints or delays in approvals in certain regions.

How Hexa Climate Supports C&I Consumers

Hexa Climate develops, aggregates, and manages renewable energy projects tailored for C&I consumers under the Green Open Access framework. From assessing your consumption profile to structuring PPAs, managing scheduling and settlement, and tracking carbon benefits, our team acts as an end-to-end partner.

Ready to Explore Green Open Access for Your Business?

If you are evaluating long-term green power procurement, our experts can help you compare open access models, understand state-wise regulations, and design a portfolio that meets both cost and sustainability objectives.