Power Sector News Roundup for March 31, 2025

By

Global: Weekly electricity prices drop across most European markets India: Foundation stone laid for projects worth Rs 337 billion in Chhattisgarh Himachal Pradesh and Telangana sign MoU for two hydroelectric projects INOX Air Products commissions green hydrogen plant in Rajasthan India approves offset mechanism for carbon market Madras High Court overturns solar power levy Coal Ministry launches 12th tranche of commercial coal mine auctions Solarium Green secures Rs 17.38 million rooftop solar order from NVVNL…

|

Weekly electricity prices drop across most European markets

By

Electricity prices fell across most major European markets last week, according to AleaSoft Energy Forecasting. The consultancy recorded price declines in Belgium, Britain, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Nordic countries, Portugal, and Spain. Italy was the only exception. In most analyzed markets, weekly average prices dropped below €85 ($91.56)/MWh. However, Britain and Italy remained above this threshold. The British market averaged €107.21/MWh, while Italy had the highest at €123.25/MWh. The Nordic market recorded the lowest average…

|

Foundation stone laid for projects worth Rs 337 billion in Chhattisgarh

By

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone, initiated construction, and dedicated multiple development projects worth over Rs 337 billion in Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh. The projects focus on electrification, rail connectivity, coal and power sectors, solar energy, and gas infrastructure. He highlighted that electricity is now reaching previously underserved regions, improving infrastructure and quality of life. Chhattisgarh has also achieved full electrification of its rail network. Around Rs 400 billion worth of railway projects are ongoing,…

|

Himachal Pradesh and Telangana sign MoU for two hydroelectric projects

By

Himachal Pradesh and Telangana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop two hydroelectric projects: Seli (400 MW) and Miyar (120 MW). The agreement aims to meet Telangana’s growing demand for clean energy while leveraging Himachal Pradesh’s hydropower potential. Himachal Pradesh benefits from its perennial Himalayan rivers, allowing for hydropower generation for nine to ten months a year. In contrast, South Indian rivers provide limited hydropower generation. Telangana sees this collaboration as an opportunity…

|

INOX Air Products commissions green hydrogen plant in Rajasthan

By

INOX Air Products (INOXAP) has launched its first green hydrogen plant at Asahi India Glass’s (AIS) float glass facility in Soniyana, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.  The plant, powered by solar energy, will generate up to 190 tons of green hydrogen per year through electrolysis. This marks India’s first use of green hydrogen in float glass manufacturing, supporting AIS’s goal of sustainable production.  Under a 20-year offtake agreement, INOXAP will supply green hydrogen to AIS, with an initial…

|

India approves offset mechanism for carbon market

By

India has approved the Detailed Procedure for the Offset Mechanism and eight methodologies under the Indian Carbon Market (ICM). This enables voluntary participation in carbon trading and supports projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. The government had notified The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, in June last year, establishing the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM). An amendment in December 2023 introduced an Offset Mechanism, allowing non-obligated entities to participate in…

|

Madras High Court overturns solar power levy

By

The Madras High Court has struck down additional network charges imposed on rooftop solar power used for captive consumption. This ruling is expected to ease costs for industrial consumers and boost solar energy adoption in Tamil Nadu. The case involved 22 petitions, including one from the South India Spinners Association, challenging charges levied by Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (Tangedco), now Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL). The court ruled that these additional…

|

Coal Ministry launches 12th tranche of commercial coal mine auctions

By

The Ministry of Coal has launched the 12th tranche of commercial coal mine auctions, offering 28 coal and lignite blocks for bidding.  The auction includes 25 coal mines under the Coal Mines (Special Provisions) Act, 2015 (CMSP) and 18 under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR), along with two lignite mines. Thirteen are fully explored and ready for development, while 12 offer long-term investment opportunities. Mines are located across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh,…

|

Privatization of Distribution Utilities in Madhya Pradesh – Policy Paper

By

Madhya Pradesh’s electricity distribution sector stands at a critical crossroads, grappling with mounting financial losses, operational inefficiencies, and regulatory bottlenecks. The Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2022 proposes transformative reforms, such as introducing competition through multiple distribution licensees, enhancing regulatory autonomy, and restructuring power procurement practices, to revitalize the sector. But will these measures address the systemic challenges plaguing the state’s DISCOMs? This policy paper critically examines the structural and financial hurdles faced by Madhya Pradesh’s power distribution…

|

Solarium Green secures Rs 17.38 mn rooftop solar order from NVVNL

By

Solarium Green Energy Limited has won a rooftop solar contract worth approximately Rs 17.38 million from NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited (NVVNL) for a 500 kW grid-connected rooftop solar project at IGM Noida. The contract includes Rs 12.43 million for the supply of plant and equipment, Rs 1.77 million for transportation, insurance, installation, and safety provisions, and Rs 3.18 million for 10 years of comprehensive operations and maintenance. The project is scheduled for completion within…