Power Sector News Roundup for April 2, 2026

CEA mandates smart meters in network areas, updates open access norms

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has amended its Installation and Operation of Meters Regulations, 2006, through a gazette notification dated April 1, 2026, making smart meters mandatory for all consumers in areas with communication network coverage. The amendment takes effect from the date of publication and aligns with timelines set by the Central Government. It requires smart meters with prepayment functionality and interoperability, and specifies metering norms for open access consumers across voltage levels. The revision also updates metering arrangements under Regulation 7 and incorporates stakeholder feedback received after the draft issued on February 23, 2026.

India clears pilot CfD scheme for 500 MW renewable capacity

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has approved guidelines for a pilot Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme covering 500 MW of renewable energy capacity, with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) as the nodal agency. Under the framework, generators will sell electricity on power exchanges, with SECI settling the gap between strike price and zonal Day-Ahead Market price. The scheme targets 1,500 MWh daily supply from non-solar hours, with 12-year contracts and a reverse auction mechanism. A Rs 76 crore stabilisation fund has been created, and MNRE will assess the model’s performance before any scale-up.

Adani Green adds 5 GW in FY2025-26; portfolio reaches 19.3 GW

Adani Green Energy Limited added 5,051 MW of renewable capacity in FY2025-26, taking its operational portfolio to 19.3 GW. The additions include 3,409 MW solar, 686 MW wind, and 956 MW hybrid capacity, along with 1,376 MWh of battery energy storage systems commissioned from April 1, 2026. A significant share of capacity was added at Khavda, Gujarat, where cumulative installed capacity reached 9,413 MW. The company estimates its portfolio will offset 36 million tonnes of carbon annually.

Centre clears transmission lines for 3.5 GW renewable energy projects

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has authorised three companies under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003 to develop transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects in Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The approvals include multiple high-voltage lines for Rajasthan REZ Phase IV (Part B: 3.5 GW), a 400 kV line for a 302.8 MW wind project in Maharashtra, and a 220 kV line for a 300 MW wind project in Gujarat. Each authorisation is valid for 25 years and subject to statutory clearances and compliance conditions. Developers are also required to adhere to the Supreme Court’s December 19, 2025 order where applicable.

NTPC completes coal business transfer to NTPC Mining arm

NTPC Limited has completed the transfer of its coal mining business to NTPC Mining Limited (NML), with the final tranche involving the Pakri Barwadih Coal Mine transferred effective April 1, 2026. The transfer follows an amended Business Transfer Agreement dated September 17, 2025 and concludes a phased hive-off initiated in August 2025. Commercial operation of the Pakri Barwadih North West Coal Mining Project has also commenced from the same date. All coal mining operations now reside within the subsidiary.

Tata Power restores full 4,150 MW operations at Mundra plant

Tata Power has restored full 4,150 MW operations at its Mundra thermal power plant following execution of a Supplementary Power Purchase Agreement (SPPA) with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL). The revised SPPA enables pass-through of fuel costs, addressing financial losses that had made operations unviable. Similar agreements are expected with procurers in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. The restart comes ahead of peak summer demand.

ACME signs 10-year green ammonia supply deal with SECI

ACME Group has signed a 10-year agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to supply 370,000 tonnes per annum of green ammonia, valued at about INR 20,000 crore. The contract is linked to capacity awarded under the SIGHT Scheme and involves supply to multiple fertiliser plants across five states. SECI has signed corresponding agreements with companies including IFFCO, Paradeep Phosphates, India Potash, and Coromandel International. The project includes a production facility in Odisha and supports decarbonisation in the fertiliser sector.

Power Grid wins Tumkur-II transmission project for 2.7 GW RE integration

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has been selected as the successful bidder for the Tumkur-II transmission project in Karnataka under tariff-based competitive bidding. The project will support integration of 2.7 GW of renewable energy and includes transformer augmentation, a 400 kV transmission line, and installation of a ±300 MVAr STATCOM. The Letter of Intent dated March 30, 2026 was received on April 1. The tender was issued by PFC Consulting Limited in November 2025.

Sarus wins contract for 187.5 MW BESS at Maheswaram

Sarus Infrastructures has received a Letter of Award from Telangana Power Generation Corporation Limited (TGGENCO) for a 187.5 MW/750 MWh standalone battery energy storage system at Maheswaram. The project, valued at Rs 10.15 billion, will operate with a four-hour cycle and minimum 95% annual availability. It is eligible for viability gap funding of Rs 1.8 million per MWh and will have a 15-year BESPA post commissioning. Commissioning is scheduled within 18 months.

Solarworld wins Rs 267.5 crore BOS contract for NTPC Bikaner solar block

Solarworld Energy Solutions Limited has secured a Rs 267.53 crore contract from NTPC Renewable Energy Limited for the balance of system package for a 200 MWac block at the Bikaner solar project. The contract includes three years of operations and maintenance and has a 19-month execution timeline. The award is part of NTPC’s 1,000 MW solar project in Rajasthan. The company has also secured additional BESS contracts from NTPC in recent awards.

Power Grid appoints Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan as CMD

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has appointed Burra Vamsi Rama Mohan as Chairman and Managing Director effective April 1, 2026. His tenure will run until July 31, 2030, or until further orders. He succeeds Dr. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi and brings over 33 years of experience in transmission and telecom. The company also promoted Gyaneshwar Prasad Payasi and Pradeep Kumar to Executive Director roles.

CleanMax, STT GDC expand renewable PPAs beyond 130 MW

Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited has expanded its renewable energy agreements with STT Global Data Centres India, taking total contracted capacity beyond 130 MW. The latest addition includes 21 MWp of solar capacity, alongside an existing hybrid supply. STT GDC India will hold a 26% equity stake in the project under a captive model. The company currently sources about 70% of its energy from renewables.

Power Mech secures Rs 109 crore O&M contract from Hindustan Zinc

Power Mech Projects Limited has secured a Rs 109.22 crore operations and maintenance contract from Hindustan Zinc Limited for a 91.5 MW captive power plant. The contract tenure is 48 months and includes transmission infrastructure up to the main receiving substation. The development follows recent large contract wins and a cancellation of a BESS tender that reduced its order book by Rs 1,563 crore.

Atlanta Electricals gets Power Grid nod for 400 kV transformer manufacturing

Atlanta Electricals Limited has received approval from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited to manufacture up to 400 kV class transformers at its Vadod facility. The approval allows participation in extra-high voltage tenders, subject to qualifying requirements. The facility has also secured NABL accreditation for testing up to 400 kV. The company targets peak utilisation of 63,000 MVA.

SJVN reports 13,302 MU generation in FY2025-26

SJVN Limited reported total generation of 13,302 MU in FY2025-26, with multiple projects recording strong output. Rampur Hydro achieved 2,108.034 MU, while Nathpa Jhakri generated 7,506.617 MU and crossed 150 billion units cumulatively. Naitwar Mori exceeded its design energy, and the Bikaner Solar Power Station crossed one billion units of cumulative generation. The company attributed performance to operational efficiency and project execution.

Solarium wins Rs 188.5 crore EPC order for 50 MW solar project

Solarium Green Energy Limited has secured an EPC order worth about Rs 188.525 crore for a 50 MWac solar project in Maharashtra. The contract includes three years of operations and maintenance and was awarded under a MAHAGENCO project. The company also reported additional module supply orders worth Rs 22.51 crore across southern states. The execution timeline will be finalised in the EPC agreement.

NLC India appoints Pankaj Kumar as Executive Director

NLC India Limited has promoted Pankaj Kumar as Executive Director effective April 1, 2026. He brings over 28 years of experience in human resources across public and private sector organisations. The company also reported retirements and board-level changes, including cessation of three independent directors on March 27, 2026.