Power Sector News Roundup for November 5, 2025

India

MNRE takes case-by-case approach on REIA bids

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has decided against cancelling Renewable Energy Implementing Agency (REIA) projects in bulk and will assess each case individually. It aims to balance developer, DISCOM, and grid concerns as India moves toward storage-integrated renewable growth. REIAs have issued Letters of Award (LoAs) for 43,942 MW with unsigned Power Sale Agreements (PSAs), while 24,928 MW of PSAs have been finalized since April 2023. MNRE directed REIAs to review projects based on configuration, tariff, and connectivity, cancelling only those unlikely to secure PSAs. India added 29 GW of renewable capacity in FY 2024–25 and 25 GW more in the first half of FY 2025–26, supported by a Rs 2.4 lakh crore transmission plan and updated bidding rules.

Hinduja Group to invest Rs 20,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh for energy and EV projects

The Hinduja Group will invest Rs 20,000 crore in Andhra Pradesh across power generation, renewable energy, and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing. The plan follows a meeting between Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and senior Hinduja executives in London. The group will add 1,600 MW to its Visakhapatnam plant and develop solar and wind projects in Rayalaseema. It will also establish an EV manufacturing unit in Krishna district and create a network of charging stations across the state. Naidu said the partnership highlights Andhra Pradesh’s growing renewable and industrial base.

Maharashtra inks Rs 8,000 crore deal for 1,500 MW pumped storage project

The Maharashtra government has signed an Rs 8,000 crore agreement with GSC PSP Maha Pvt Ltd to build the 1,500 MW Panchmauli-Devalipada pumped storage project in Dhule and Nandurbar districts. The project will create about 2,500 jobs and generate Rs 1,100 crore annually for the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Maharashtra will fast-track clearances for hydro projects to strengthen grid stability. The state has signed 51 MoUs for pumped storage projects totalling 70,000 MW and Rs 3.83 lakh crore in investment. Fadnavis said Maharashtra’s terrain offers strong potential for pumped storage and large-scale renewable capacity expansion.

NTPC commissions first 800 MW unit of Patratu Thermal Power Project

NTPC Limited has begun commercial operations of Unit 1 (800 MW) at the Patratu Super Thermal Power Project Phase I, developed through its subsidiary PVUNL. The NTPC Group’s installed capacity now stands at 84,849 MW. The project, implemented by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited under an Rs 18,668 crore EPC contract, includes three 800 MW units. About 85% of Phase I power will supply Jharkhand, while Phase II will add another 2,800 MW. Coal will be sourced from the Banhadi block in Latehar district, where local communities have provided consent for mining.

L&T signs MoU with Holtec International for advanced heat transfer solutions

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Holtec International’s Asia arm to develop heat transfer systems for nuclear and thermal plants. The collaboration builds on their joint work on Holtec’s SMR-300 small modular reactor, backed by the US Department of Energy’s 810 Authorization. The partnership will combine L&T’s manufacturing with Holtec’s engineering expertise to improve thermal performance and reliability. L&T executive Anil Parab said the deal reflects the growing global role of nuclear energy, with over 30 countries pledging to triple nuclear capacity since the pandemic.

IEX power trade rises 16.5% in October as prices ease

The Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) recorded 11,233 million units (MU) of electricity traded in October 2025, up 16.5% year-on-year. The Day-Ahead Market (DAM) price fell 32% to Rs 2.67 per unit, while Real-Time Market (RTM) prices dropped 27.8% to Rs 2.73 per unit. The DAM traded 4,684 MU and RTM 4,583 MU, with the Green Market reaching 1,055 MU, up 21% year-on-year. Renewable Energy Certificate trading rose 39.4% to 6.19 lakh certificates at Rs 370 per REC. National electricity consumption was 132 billion units, 6% lower than last year, supported by higher renewable output and steady coal supply.

Waaree Energies subsidiary to acquire Sunbreeze Ninth Cloud

Waaree Energies Limited announced that its subsidiary Waaree Forever Energies Private Limited will acquire 100% equity in Sunbreeze Ninth Cloud Private Limited. The acquisition, subject to closing conditions, is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025. Sunbreeze Ninth Cloud, incorporated in Delhi in June 2024, operates in the transportation sector with an authorised capital of Rs 2 million. Waaree clarified that no promoters or related parties are involved in the transaction.

Global

Australia to offer households three hours of free power daily

Australia will launch the Solar Sharer scheme in 2026, offering households three hours of free solar power daily. Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the initiative aims to make renewable benefits accessible to all citizens, including those without rooftop systems. The scheme will begin in New South Wales and South Australia and may expand later. Industry response has been mixed, with the Australian Energy Council warning of regulatory overlap. Australia targets a 70% emission reduction from 2005 levels within the next decade but continues to face debate over coal plant retirements and exports.