Power Sector News Roundup for May 23, 2025

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Global: World Bank approves grant for Malawi’s 358.5 MW hydropower project India: India to open nuclear energy to private players with new draft laws ACME Solar commissions 112.5 MW in Sikar KPI Green secures CTUIL nod for 642.6 MW wind project in Gujarat Waaree forms solar subsidiary, reports strong FY25 growth Inox Green expands solar O&M portfolio with new contracts Patel Engineering wins EPC contract for Heo hydro project PFC reports Rs 305.14 billion profit…

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India to open nuclear energy to private players with new draft laws

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India is considering major amendments to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, which could allow private sector participation in nuclear power generation for the first time. The move aims to support the country’s target of reaching 100 GW of atomic energy capacity by 2047, up from the current 8 GW. Two key changes are proposed. First, the financial liability of equipment suppliers in case of a nuclear accident would be capped, addressing a long-standing concern that…

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Can your river power your home? A practical guide to small-scale hydro systems

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  Solar panels are common in off-grid setups, but they do not work well in cloudy, shaded, or seasonal conditions. If your land has a nearby stream or river, small-scale hydro power may be a reliable alternative. This guide explains how to assess your site and choose the right hydro system. Hydro power can offer continuous output where water flow is steady. But it is not as simple as placing a turbine in the water….

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How Long Do Scheduled Nuclear Reactor Shutdowns Take?

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  In nuclear power generation, not all shutdowns are emergencies. Many are planned well in advance for regular refuelling, equipment maintenance, or regulatory inspections. These scheduled outages are an essential part of operating a safe and efficient nuclear power plant. But how long do they take? And how do the timelines compare across global reactors and Indian facilities, especially those using Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) or Pressurised Water Reactors (PWRs)? Understanding this process requires…

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CERC releases draft guidelines for Virtual Power Purchase Agreements

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The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued draft guidelines for Virtual Power Purchase Agreements (VPPAs). These agreements are designed to help large electricity consumers meet renewable energy targets without taking physical delivery of power. VPPAs are a type of bilateral, non-tradable, non-transferable contract between a consumer or designated consumer and a renewable energy (RE) generator. The consumer pays a fixed VPPA price to the generator, who then sells power through exchanges or other authorised…

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Adani Green begins 187.5 MW solar operations at Khavda park

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Adani Renewable Energy Fifty Seven Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), started commercial operations of a 187.5 MW solar power project in Gujarat’s Khavda on May 22, 2025. The project is part of AGEL’s larger plan to develop a 30,000 MW wind-solar hybrid renewable energy park in the Rann of Kutch. The mega hybrid park will include 26,000 MW of solar and 4,000 MW of wind capacity. Gujarat Industries Power Company Limited…

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CESC and PEDA invite bids for over 170 MW of solar projects

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Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for 142.64 MW of distributed solar power projects in Karnataka. Bids can be submitted until May 29, 2025. The projects will be developed on a build, own and operate (BOO) basis under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model. They fall under Component C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme. These solar plants will support agriculture…

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RPP Infra secures boiler structure contract for Koderma project

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RPP Infra Projects has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) for a Rs 1,544.3 million contract under Package-B of the Koderma Thermal Power Expansion Project. The contract was awarded by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which had invited bids in March 2025. The project involves the supply of factory-finished fabricated boiler structures for Unit 2 of the 2×800 MW expansion. This includes components such as columns (plus, plus i and box types), bracings, wall beams,…

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PFC reports Rs 305.14 bn profit in FY25; REC raises Rs 56.35 bn via bonds

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Power Finance Corporation (PFC) Limited reported a 15 per cent rise in its consolidated profit after tax (PAT) for FY 2024-25, reaching Rs 305.14 billion, up from Rs 264.61 billion in the previous year. The company’s loan asset book rose by 12 per cent, from Rs 9,908.2 billion to Rs 11,099.96 billion as of March 31, 2025. PFC’s consolidated net worth, including non-controlling interest, grew by 16 per cent to Rs 1,551.55 billion.  PFC remains…

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Patel Engineering wins EPC contract for Heo hydro project

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Patel Engineering Limited has secured an EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contract worth Rs 7.11 billion from NEEPCO Limited for the 240 MW Heo hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. The project is located in the Shi Yomi district and is scheduled for completion within 44 months. The scope of work includes civil works, infrastructure construction, testing, commissioning, and hydro-mechanical systems installation. The 240 MW project (3×80 MW units) is expected to generate 1,000 million units…