Power Sector News Roundup for April 28, 2026

PSPCL awards 500 MW solar capacity in national auction

Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has announced the outcome of its auction to procure 500 MW of solar power on a long-term basis. SAEL Industries secured 250 MW at Rs 3.05 per kWh. Waaree Forever Energies and JLTM Energy India were awarded 100 MW and 50 MW, respectively, each at Rs 3.07 per kWh, while MB Power (Madhya Pradesh) secured 100 MW at Rs 3.07 per kWh under the bucket filling method. PSPCL will sign 25-year PPAs, with developers responsible for grid connectivity and related costs.

India hits 658 MU solar output, 238 GW peak demand in March

The National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC) reported an all-time high solar generation of 658 MU on March 27, 2026, with total monthly solar output at 18,153 MU. Peak power demand reached 238,378 MW on March 7, 2026, while total energy supplied stood at 149,565 MU. Inter-regional transfers reached 253,006 MU in FY 2025-26, supporting grid balance. Grid frequency averaged 50.00 Hz, with stable operations despite disturbances, including the tripping of the 800 kV HVDC Agra-Biswanath Chariali link.

Coal India FY26 profit falls 12% on higher costs, flat revenue

Coal India Limited (CIL) reported a 12% decline in consolidated net profit to Rs 31,071 crore in FY 2025-26, while revenue remained at Rs 1,68,400 crore. Total expenditure rose 5% to Rs 1,38,511 crore due to higher provisions and levies. Coal production and offtake both declined by 2% to 768.19 MT and 744.88 MT, respectively, while inventory increased to 129.96 MT. In Q4 FY26, net profit rose 12% to Rs 10,908 crore, with revenue at Rs 46,490 crore.

EAC defers ToR for two Maharashtra PSPs over ESZ restrictions

The Expert Appraisal Committee deferred Terms of Reference for two pumped storage projects in Maharashtra due to Eco-Sensitive Zone constraints. MAHAGENCO’s 125 MW Ghatghar Stage II project falls within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary, while THDCIL’s 1,500 MW Humbarli Birmani project lies within the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani ESZ. The committee cited regulatory restrictions and CPCB classification of hydel projects above 50 MW as Red category industries. Both developers were asked to secure statutory clearances and NOCs before reconsideration.

NCT shelves Mundra green hydrogen transmission scheme over lack of demand

The National Committee on Transmission has put on hold a Rs 2,817 crore transmission scheme planned for a green hydrogen hub in Mundra, Gujarat. The decision follows confirmation from MNRE and CTUIL that no demand or GNA applications have been received for the planned 3 GW capacity. The project had been awarded to Mundra I Transmission Limited under TBCB in 2024. The scheme will be reconsidered only when demand visibility improves.

BII unveils £1.1 billion climate platform for Asia

British International Investment (BII) has launched British Climate Partners, a £1.1 billion platform to mobilise private capital for climate projects in Asia. The initiative targets countries including India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, focusing on energy transition investments. BII plans to allocate at least 40 per cent of its new commitments to climate finance over five years. The platform will use equity and mezzanine finance to scale project pipelines and address early-stage risks.

AMPIN commissions 60 MWp group captive solar in Odisha

AMPIN Energy Transition has commissioned a 60 MWp group captive solar project at Kantabanji, Odisha, under the OREP-22 framework. The project supplies power to commercial and industrial consumers through the 132 kV Kantabanji substation. Partner companies, including Bharti Airtel Limited and Jindal Stainless Limited, will source around 50% of their electricity from the project. The company is expanding its Odisha portfolio to 200 MWp, with additional capacity under construction.

Centre rolls out Rs 5,000 crore mining reform incentives for FY27

The Government has introduced a Rs 5,000 crore incentive scheme under SASCI for FY 2026-27 to drive mining sector reforms. States completing five specified reforms by December 15, 2026 will be eligible for Rs 100 crore. Additional incentives include Rs 20 crore per mineral block auctioned with clearances and Rs 250 crore for operationalising at least 10% of auctioned blocks. Performance-based rewards will also be linked to the State Mining Readiness Index.

KPIL takes full control of Saudi EPC unit with 35% buyout

Kalpataru Projects International Limited (KPIL) has acquired the remaining 35% stake in Kalpataru Projects Arabia Company for SAR 10 million, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition became effective from April 14, 2026, after regulatory approvals in Saudi Arabia. The unit operates in power transmission and substation EPC, with a turnover of about SAR 90.79 million in FY 2024-25. The move strengthens KPIL’s presence in the Saudi market.

SECI awards 5.67 MW rooftop solar under Tranche VIII

Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) has awarded 5,665 kW of rooftop solar capacity across 14 government buildings under its January 2026 tender. GH2 Solar secured the largest share with multiple allocations between Rs 3.00 and Rs 3.13 per kWh. Other winners include Mateshwari Bus Operations, Solaris Electrical Services, and GP Eco Solutions India. Projects will be executed under the RESCO model with commissioning timelines of seven months.

Lucknow tops India in rooftop solar, overtakes Surat

Lucknow has become the leading city in rooftop solar installations, surpassing Surat based on April 2026 data. The city added 3,133 systems in early 2026, taking total installations beyond 87,000. Growth has been driven by the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, subsidies, and rising electricity demand. Improved coordination between agencies has supported faster deployment.

Orient Green completes 9.9 MW wind expansion in Tamil Nadu

Orient Green Power Company Limited has completed a 9.9 MW wind expansion through its subsidiary Gamma Green Power Private Limited in Tamil Nadu. The project comprises three WTGs of 3.3 MW each in Tiruchirapalli district. Service connection for the final unit was received on April 27, 2026. The project was executed under an EPC contract with Renfra Energy India Limited.

Oriana arm invests Rs 12 crore in BESS-linked solar project

Truere Guj SPV Private Limited, a subsidiary of Oriana Power Limited, has received Rs 12,01,68,600 to support a battery energy storage system linked to a solar project. The investment involved acquisition of 93,24,000 equity shares of Rs 10 each. The BESS is intended to store surplus solar generation and improve energy management. Earlier, Oriana secured EPC contracts for 32 MW solar capacity with 20 MWh storage in Rajasthan.