Power Sector News Roundup for April 15, 2026

Hitachi Energy, AESL commission one of world’s largest HVDC city center infeed

Adani Electricity Mumbai Infrastructure Limited (AEMIL) and Hitachi Energy have commissioned a 1,000 MW HVDC transmission link between Kudus and Aarey in Mumbai, increasing the city’s power supply from outside by 50 percent. The project includes a 30-km overhead line and a 50-km underground corridor, along with a compact HVDC substation suited for urban constraints. The converter station upgrade raises grid import capacity from 250 MW to 1,000 MW, marking the most significant upgrade in nearly 25 years. The link uses VSC-based HVDC technology, enabling precise control, improved voltage stability, and black-start capability.

MNRE adds Reliance, Jupiter Solartech to ALMM-II

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has added Reliance Industries Limited and Jupiter Solartech Private Limited to the ALMM-II list for solar cells, alongside a capacity revision for Websol Energy System Limited. Reliance has been enlisted with 1,238 MW per year of HJT solar cells, while Jupiter Solartech secured about 991 MW per year of Mono PERC bifacial capacity. Websol revised its capacity to 1,202 MW per year. India’s total enlisted solar cell manufacturing capacity under ALMM-II has reached 30 GW.

GAIL to invest Rs 3,800 crore in 700 MW solar and storage projects

GAIL (India) Limited has announced a capital outlay of Rs 3,800 crore to develop 700 MW of solar capacity across Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. The plan includes a 600 MW solar project with a 550 MWh BESS at the TUSCO Solar Park in Jhansi and a 100 MW solar plant with a 22 MWh BESS in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar. The projects will support captive demand at GAIL’s industrial facilities. The company expects its renewable capacity to increase from 147 MW to over 1,000 MW after commissioning.

Bihar unveils green hydrogen policy targeting 0.10 MMTPA by 2031

The Government of Bihar has released the Bihar Green Hydrogen Policy 2026, targeting 0.10 MMTPA of green hydrogen or ammonia by 2031. The plan includes development of 1 GW electrolyser capacity and 2.5 GW renewable energy capacity, with expected investments of Rs 16,000 crore. BREDA has been designated as the nodal agency. The policy provides incentives including capex reimbursement and exemptions on electricity duty and transmission charges.

Uttar Pradesh climbs to third spot under PM Surya Ghar scheme

Uttar Pradesh has reached third position under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana with 4,69,192 installations and 1,594.08 MW capacity. Subsidy disbursal has reached Rs 3,037.67 crore. Lucknow leads with over 86,000 installations. A CSR-backed model in Varanasi enabled more than 1,000 households to adopt rooftop solar without upfront payment.

PFC forms four SPVs for transmission projects in Rajasthan, Karnataka

PFC Consulting Limited has incorporated four SPVs for transmission projects in Rajasthan and Karnataka. The entities will develop 765 kV substations in Rajasthan and 400 kV systems in Karnataka. PFC Consulting is acting as the bid process coordinator under the tariff-based competitive bidding framework. The SPVs will be transferred to selected bidders after the bidding process.

Delhi releases draft EV policy 2026 with phased mandates, incentives

Delhi has released its draft EV Policy 2026, targeting accelerated EV adoption and charging infrastructure expansion through incentives and mandates. Incentives for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and N1 vehicles will taper over three years. From January 1, 2027, only electric three-wheelers will be eligible for new registrations. Delhi Transco Limited has been designated as the nodal agency for charging infrastructure rollout.

Jupiter–AMPIN JV launches integrated solar manufacturing unit in Odisha

Jupiter International Limited and AMPIN Energy Transition have launched AMPIN Solar One Private Limited with an integrated solar cell and module facility in Bhubaneswar. The plant combines cell and module manufacturing at one location. The project aligns with policy efforts to reduce reliance on imported solar cells. Odisha continues to attract solar manufacturing investments supported by state incentives.

Andhra Pradesh plans 3,000 MWh BESS rollout to support grid stability

Andhra Pradesh is planning deployment of 3,000 MWh of BESS in phases, with 1,000 MWh targeted by January 2027. The investment is estimated at around Rs 1.68 crore per MWh. Officials expect peak power costs to reduce from Rs 10 per unit to Rs 4.85. The programme will prioritise areas with high renewable penetration.

NCL Industries approves 130 MW solar-wind project in Tamil Nadu

NCL Industries Limited has approved a 130 MW solar-wind project in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Phase 1 of 50 MW will involve an investment of Rs 392 crores, with total project cost estimated at Rs 919 crores. The project has secured connectivity approval from CTUIL. Completion is scheduled by February 2028.

Fourth Partner signs 28 MW hybrid deal with Hyundai Motor Group

Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited has signed an agreement to supply 28 MW from a hybrid project in Tamil Nadu to Hyundai Motor Group. The deal builds on an earlier 118 MW project structure under an SPV. Hyundai Motor India Limited holds a 26.13% stake in the wind entity after investing Rs 16.58 crore. The agreement supports raising Hyundai’s renewable share to about 70% in India.

CleanMax, Sangam India partner for 50 MW hybrid RE project in Rajasthan

Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions Limited has partnered with Sangam India Limited to develop a 50 MW hybrid renewable project in Rajasthan. The project includes 30 MWp solar, 20 MW wind, and a 2 MWh BESS. Power will be supplied to five Sangam facilities under a group captive model. CleanMax reported 5.7 GW of contracted capacity as of March 31, 2026.

NHPC approves monetisation of returns from Uri-II, Dhauliganga plants

NHPC Limited has approved monetisation of return on equity from Uri-II and Dhauliganga plants for 10 years. The transaction will be executed in a single tranche during FY 2026–27. The company did not disclose expected proceeds. The structure allows upfront capital raising without transferring asset ownership.

Diamond Power wins Rs 45.47 crore cable order from Adani Electricity Mumbai

Diamond Power Infrastructure Limited has received a Letter of Intent from Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited worth Rs 45.47 crore. The contract will be executed from May 2026 to May 2027. The order follows earlier contracts exceeding Rs 163 crore from Adani Group entities. These include supplies for projects such as the Raipur Phase II Thermal Power Project.