Power Sector News Roundup for April 9, 2026

CCEA clears Rs 40,175 crore for two hydro projects in Arunachal Pradesh

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved investments totalling Rs 40,175.33 crore for two hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh, adding 2,920 MW to the grid. The 1,720 MW Kamala Hydroelectric Project, approved at Rs 26,069.50 crore, will be developed by NHPC and the state government, with central support for flood moderation, infrastructure, and equity. The 1,200 MW Kalai-II project, costing Rs 14,105.83 crore, will be executed by THDC India Limited on the Lohit River. Both projects will provide 12% free power to the state and include Local Area Development Fund (LADF) contributions. Completion timelines are 96 months for Kamala and 78 months for Kalai-II.

India reaches 283 GW non-fossil capacity, ranks third globally

India’s installed non-fossil fuel capacity reached 283.46 GW as of March 31, 2026, with solar accounting for 150.26 GW. The country now ranks third globally in renewable energy capacity, based on IRENA Renewable Energy Statistics 2026 using data up to December 2025. During 2025–26, India added 55.3 GW of non-fossil capacity, and non-fossil sources crossed 50% of installed capacity in June 2025. Total electricity generation for the year stood at 1,845.9 BU, with non-fossil sources contributing 538.97 BU or 29.2%. The government targets 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030.

CAQM imposes Rs 61.85 crore penalty on six thermal plants

The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has imposed penalties totalling about Rs 61.85 crore on six coal-based thermal plants for failing to meet biomass co-firing norms. None of the plants achieved the mandated 5% blending level, while the minimum 3% threshold for 2024–25 was also unmet. Talwandi Sabo Power Plant faces the highest penalty of around Rs 33.02 crore, followed by fines on plants operated by HVUNL, PSECL, and UPSGCL. The plants have been directed to deposit environmental compensation by April 15, 2026. The enforcement is part of efforts to reduce stubble burning and improve air quality in the Delhi-NCR region.

NTPC signs MoU with EDF to explore nuclear projects in India

NTPC Limited has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with Électricité de France (EDF) to explore nuclear power development in India. The agreement covers feasibility assessment of European Pressurised Reactor (EPR) technology, localisation opportunities, tariff evaluation, site identification, and workforce training. The MoU was signed on April 8, 2026, with government approval. It does not commit either party to execution or procurement. The initiative aligns with NTPC’s diversification strategy, which includes nuclear alongside renewable energy, green hydrogen, and storage.

KEC secures Rs 2,518 crore orders, expands global T&D portfolio

KEC International Limited has secured new orders worth Rs 2,518 crore across its business segments, with a focus on transmission and distribution (T&D) projects in international markets. Orders include transmission lines in Africa, substations and tower supply in Europe and the Americas, and cable contracts across regions. The company also secured its largest civil order in commercial real estate and a joint venture order in the Train Collision Avoidance System (Kavach) segment. The order inflow reflects expansion in global markets, particularly Africa. KEC operates in over 110 countries across multiple infrastructure verticals.

CEA uprates NTPC Dadri units, adds 20 MW to capacity

NTPC Limited has uprated two units at its Dadri Thermal Power Station from 490 MW each to 500 MW each, effective April 7, 2026. The revision adds 20 MW to its installed capacity, taking the NTPC group total to 89,128 MW. The units were commissioned in 2010 and built by BHEL under Stage-II of the National Capital Thermal Power Project. Uprating reflects sustained operational performance above nameplate capacity. The incremental addition is small relative to NTPC’s long-term expansion plans.

Godrej Enterprises wins 98 MWp open-access solar EPC order in Haryana

Godrej Enterprises Group has secured an EPC contract for a 98 MWp open-access solar project in Sirsa, Haryana, awarded by Hexa Climate Solutions. The plant, with 70 MW AC capacity, is expected to generate about 1,470 lakh kWh annually. It will use bifacial TOPCon modules with string inverters and smart monitoring systems. The project is the company’s largest by capacity and the largest open-access solar project in Haryana. The order supports expansion of its solar and transmission portfolio across multiple states.

Sunsure signs 30 MWp open-access PPAs with Wonder Cement

Sunsure Energy has signed three open-access PPAs with Wonder Cement for a combined capacity of 30 MWp. The company has begun supplying power to facilities in Dhule and Aligarh from its plants in Solapur and Augasi. The solar supply is expected to replace 67% of grid consumption at Dhule and 52% at Aligarh. The agreements are estimated to reduce emissions by about 33,000 metric tonnes annually. Sunsure currently operates 700 MW and has 7.1 GW under development.

Serentica appoints Satish Kumar Rathor as COO for solar and BESS

Serentica Renewables has appointed Satish Kumar Rathor as Chief Operating Officer for its Solar and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) business. He brings nearly three decades of experience across nuclear, thermal, and renewable energy sectors. Rathor will oversee project execution, operational scale-up, and delivery of round-the-clock clean energy solutions. He joins from KEC International, where he led renewable energy projects. The appointment supports Serentica’s expansion in industrial decarbonisation.