Power Sector News Roundup for April 7, 2026

India’s PFBR at Kalpakkam achieves criticality, advancing second stage of nuclear programme

India’s indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has attained criticality, marking a key milestone in the three-stage nuclear programme. The 500 MWe reactor can now sustain a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction without external intervention. This confirms that the reactor core is functioning as designed and enables progression toward full power generation. The PFBR forms the second stage, using plutonium from PHWRs to generate more fissile material for future thorium-based reactors.

MoP allows insurance surety bonds in power procurement

The Ministry of Power (MoP) has directed all states, union territories, and utilities to accept Insurance Surety Bonds (ISBs) as an alternative to bank guarantees from April 4, 2026. The move follows amendments to the General Financial Rules, 2017 by the Ministry of Finance. ISBs have already been incorporated into standard bidding guidelines for renewable energy, FDRE, pumped storage, and transmission projects. The directive aims to reduce credit exposure, ease liquidity constraints, and improve participation in the sector.

India adds record 6.05 GW wind capacity in FY 2025-26

India added 6.05 GW of wind power capacity in FY 2025-26, the highest annual addition on record, surpassing the previous peak of 5.5 GW in FY 2016-17. This represents a 46% increase over FY 2024-25, taking total installed capacity beyond 56 GW. Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra led additions, supported by policy clarity, transmission readiness, and hybrid project growth. Government measures include concessional duties, ISTS charge exemptions until June 2028, and a dedicated wind Renewable Energy Consumption Obligation.

NPCIL IPO likely in 2026 as budget support is cut sharply

The IPO of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) is expected in 2026 following a reduction in equity support from Rs 3,042 crore to Rs 100 crore in Budget 2026-27. The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) cited the planned public listing as the reason for the cut. NPCIL operates 24 units with 8,780 MW capacity and generated 56,881 mu in 2024-25, with revenue of Rs 19,880 crore. Profit before tax declined to Rs 4,343 crore, prompting the Parliamentary Standing Committee to recommend a performance audit.

Andhra Pradesh clears land for two 1,000 MW solar parks

The Andhra Pradesh government has approved land allocation for two 1,000 MW solar parks in YSR Kadapa and Kurnool districts. The land will be transferred to APSPCL and leased to developers for 33 years under a structured rental model. The Kadapa site spans 466.54 acres, while the Kurnool site covers approximately 737.66 acres. The approach retains state ownership while enabling private investment and centralised oversight.

IRFC disburses Rs 1,000 crore loan to MAHAGENCO

Indian Railway Finance Corporation (IRFC) has sanctioned and fully disbursed a Rs 1,000 crore term loan to Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Limited (MAHAGENCO). This marks IRFC’s first disbursement of the new financial year. The loan follows a Rs 12,842 crore agreement with Hindustan Urvarak & Rasayan Limited. IRFC maintains a zero non-performing asset portfolio and continues to expand into infrastructure sectors beyond railways.

Waaree Energies starts 3,000 MW solar module plant in Gujarat

Waaree Energies Limited has commenced operations at a 3,000 MW solar module manufacturing facility in Samakhiali, Kutch, Gujarat. The plant, operated by Sangam Solar One Private Limited, began production at 10:00 am on April 6, 2026. It comprises four lines of 750 MW each. Waaree’s total global module capacity stands at 22.77 GW, including 20.17 GW in India.

ACME Solar commissions BESS capacity in Rajasthan

ACME Solar Holdings Limited has commissioned 109.334 MW of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity across two projects in Rajasthan. Both fifth-phase additions achieved COD on April 8, 2026. The Phalodi–Jodhpur site reached 166.670 MW / 802.460 MWh cumulative capacity, while the Jaisalmer site reached 247 MW / 521.652 MWh. The projects continue phased commissioning under separate subsidiaries.

DPIL secures Rs 163 crore cable orders from Adani group

Diamond Power Infrastructure Limited (DPIL) has received LOIs exceeding Rs 163 crore from three Adani Group companies. The largest order of Rs 100.54 crore is from Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited for HT cables. Adani Power Limited awarded a Rs 43.26 crore contract linked to the Raipur Phase II Thermal Power Project, while Adani Green Energy Limited issued a Rs 19.57 crore order. All contracts are domestic and not related party transactions.

Premier Energies completes Transcon Ind acquisition, takes 51% stake

Premier Energies Limited has completed its acquisition of a 51% stake in Transcon Ind Limited as of April 3, 2026. The final tranche involved 52,073 shares for Rs 250,30,97,037 through preferential allotment. Transcon Ind has become a subsidiary, and Neotrafo Solutions India Private Limited a step-down subsidiary. Confirmation was received at 10:52 am IST on April 3, 2026.

Aroma Solar starts 1.2 GW TOPCon module plant in Haryana

Aroma Solar Energy has commenced production at a 1.2 GW TOPCon solar module facility in Karnal, Haryana. The plant produces modules in the 620 W to 635 W range with 23.51% efficiency. It integrates robotic automation and AI-based monitoring across manufacturing stages. The company plans to expand into solar cell and wafer manufacturing.

Feston SEV plans 3 GWh BESS capacity, enters storage segment

Feston SEV Private Limited has entered the BESS segment with a target of 3 GWh annual production capacity. Its portfolio will range from 5 kWh residential systems to 5 MWh containerised units for C&I use. The company has signed an MoU with Light Mechanics Private Limited for a prismatic battery pack assembly line. The move aligns with growing demand for storage-backed solar solutions.

Indsil upgrades Garbham substation to 132 kV in Andhra Pradesh

Indsil Hydro Power and Manganese Limited has upgraded its Garbham substation in Vizianagaram district from 33 kV to 132 kV. The upgrade is expected to reduce electricity tariff costs through high-tension supply benefits. Around 200 substations are under construction across Andhra Pradesh. Two 220 kV projects worth about Rs 46 crore are underway in the district, with further upgrades planned by March 2027.