Renewable energy projects, including solar, wind and hybrid projects, proposed in sensitive areas within 50 km of the Line of Control (LoC), Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the International Border (IB) will require security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).Projects proposed within 20 km of the LoC, LAC and IB will also require a separate No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Defence.These requirements are part of new guidelines issued by the MHA for granting national security clearance to solar, wind and hybrid projects proposed in border areas.Under the guidelines, security clearance for projects located between 1 km and 50 km from the border, and NOCs for projects located between 1 km and 20 km from the border, will be assessed by the MHA and the Defence Ministry on a case-by-case basis. Applications for all renewable energy projects will be submitted only to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).Existing renewable energy projects near the LAC are mostly small-scale in nature, while those near the IB in Rajasthan and Gujarat are relatively large. In Jammu and Kashmir, along the LoC, most projects are solar rooftop installations, while Kargil and Ladakh have solar photovoltaic projects.The Tribune has accessed the new guidelines.Sources familiar with the matter said projects that have already received security clearance from the MHA prior to the issuance of these guidelines will not be required to apply afresh. Similarly, applicants who have already obtained an NOC from the Defence Ministry will not need to reapply under the new framework.The guidelines classify areas within 1 km of the LoC, LAC and IB as restricted zones. No renewable energy project will be permitted in these areas.The guidelines were issued after the MNRE received several applications seeking clarity on the feasibility of setting up renewable energy projects in border areas that could have national security implications.Sources said the uniform guidelines were framed after consultations with stakeholders and with due consideration to national security concerns.Project proposals will be required to incorporate comprehensive security measures, including anti-drone systems to be operated by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the state police.The MNRE will also ensure that land allocation is planned in a manner that prevents projects from extending over long stretches parallel to the international border.Where a project involves foreign investment, a separate application will have to be submitted to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the government’s FDI policy.The guidelines further state that project developers cannot transfer land to a foreign company without prior approval from the Centre, including security clearance from the MHA.They also prohibit the engagement of engineers, employees or labourers from neighbouring land-border countries such as Pakistan, China and Bangladesh without prior permission from the Centre.A dedicated police post will be required to monitor construction workers and the entry of foreign nationals during the construction phase.Projects will be required to build wide access roads that can also be used by the armed forces and Border Security Force (BSF) personnel during emergencies.All project personnel must be verified before entering construction sites and will be required to follow instructions issued by local police and BSF authorities. No housing, accommodation or cafeteria facilities that could attract crowds will be permitted within the construction area.Any housing, accommodation or cafeteria facility must be located at least 5 km from the border, the guidelines say.