Power Sector News Roundup for July 15, 2026
Adani’s 1,800 MW Alleri pumped storage project gets ToR nod in Tamil Nadu
The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) for River Valley and Hydroelectric Projects has recommended the terms of reference (ToR) for the 1,800 MW Alleri Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project in Vellore district, Tamil Nadu. The project is being developed by Adani Hydro Energy Fourteen Limited, a subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited. It will comprise two new reservoirs and is designed to supply electricity during peak demand for about 6.15 hours per day, generating 3,840.09 million units annually with a cycle efficiency of 79.60%. The project requires 337.452 hectares of land, including more than 228 hectares of forest land, and has an estimated cost of Rs 10,094.03 crore.
CEA proposes new grid standards, mandatory BESS safety audits
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued draft regulations on grid connectivity and a separate framework for external safety audits of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. The draft connectivity regulations apply to all entities connecting at 33 kV and above and introduce new requirements for inverter-based resources, frequency response, HVDC systems, and cyber security compliance. The BESS framework proposes mandatory external safety audits every two years, including three-member audit teams and minimum performance benchmarks. Public comments have been invited until August 17, 2026, for the connectivity regulations and July 28, 2026, for the BESS framework.
CEA proposes new ramping rules for coal power plants
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has proposed changes to the scheduling and ramping framework for coal-based thermal power plants following consultations held on March 11, May 8, and June 18, 2026. The recommendations include differentiated ramp rates, revised treatment under the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) Deviation Settlement Mechanism (DSM) Regulations, 2024, and stabilisation periods between successive ramping instructions. For units operating between 55% and 70% load, the authority has proposed an average scheduled ramp rate of 0.8% per minute over a 15-minute block. The CEA stated that the changes are intended to better align scheduling practices with the operational characteristics of thermal generating units while maintaining grid flexibility.
PGCIL commissions Khavda Phase IV Part E4 transmission project
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has commissioned the “Transmission System for Evacuation of Power from potential RE zone in Khavda Area of Gujarat under Phase IV (7 GW) – Part E4” with effect from June 21, 2026. The project was implemented under the Regulated Tariff Mechanism (RTM) at an estimated cost of Rs 235 crore. It includes one 1,500 MVA, 765/400 kV interconnecting transformer, two 765 kV bays, two 400 kV bays, and associated GIS infrastructure at the Padghe Gas Insulated Substation (GIS). The transmission system forms part of the broader Khavda Phase IV scheme for evacuation of up to 7 GW of renewable energy.
KEC International secures Rs 1,180 crore orders across businesses
KEC International Limited has secured new orders worth Rs 1,180 crore across its Transmission & Distribution (T&D), Renewables, Civil, and Cables & Conductors businesses. The company’s year-to-date order intake has crossed Rs 5,200 crore. The orders include a transmission line project for a data centre in Western India, a solar photovoltaic (PV) project exceeding 200 MW, thermal power-related civil works, and tower and cable supply contracts in India, the Middle East, and the Americas. The company stated that the transmission project marks its entry into the data centre power infrastructure segment.
SWELECT to invest up to US$500,000 in US battery storage venture
Swelect Energy Systems Limited has approved an investment of up to US$500,000 in Class B Preferred Equity of Comstock BESS LLC through its wholly owned Singapore subsidiary, Swelect Energy Systems Pte. Ltd. The approval was granted by the company’s Investment Committee on July 14, 2026. Comstock BESS LLC is a project-specific special purpose vehicle focused on developing battery energy storage assets in the United States. The investment aligns with SWELECT’s plans to build a 1 GW Independent Power Producer (IPP) portfolio and commercially launch Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) offerings during FY27.
Gemstar Infra secures Rs 1,220 crore debt for three smart metering projects
Gemstar Infra has completed debt financing arrangements worth Rs 1,220 crore for three smart metering projects in Jammu and Rajasthan. The financing has been secured from IDFC FIRST Bank and ICICI Bank under the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) model. IDFC FIRST Bank has funded two projects, while ICICI Bank has financed one project in Rajasthan. The company said the funding will support deployment of advanced metering infrastructure aimed at improving billing efficiency, reducing losses, and enabling digitalisation of power distribution networks.
GIZ India signs MoU with Tripura to support renewable energy initiatives
GIZ India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Power, Government of Tripura, Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL), and Tripura Renewable Energy Development Agency (TREDA). The agreement will support renewable energy deployment, institutional capacity building, and implementation of national clean energy programmes over the next three years. It also includes support for PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, pilot projects, technical studies, and initiatives to increase women’s participation in the renewable energy workforce. The MoU signing was attended by V. Anantha Nageswaran and Jitendra Kumar Sinha.
HERC forms expert panel to examine parallel distribution licence bid
The Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) has constituted a three-member independent expert committee to examine Eleven Power Private Limited’s application for a parallel electricity distribution licence in Gurugram and Nuh districts. The panel is headed by Alok Nigam and has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. HERC said the proposal involves significant legal, technical, financial, commercial, and regulatory considerations. State utilities have opposed the proposal, citing concerns over financial viability, universal service obligations, and the potential impact on system operations and grid management.
NHPC signs 40-year PPA with CSPDCL for 1,720 MW Kamala hydro project
NHPC Limited has signed a 40-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited (CSPDCL) for electricity from the 1,720 MW Kamala Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh. The agreement was signed in Raipur on July 14, 2026, and will remain valid for 40 years from the Commercial Operation Date (COD). The PPA was signed by Ranjeet Thakur of NHPC and V.K. Sai of CSPDCL. The agreement follows similar long-term PPAs signed with Tripura State Electricity Corporation Limited (TSECL) and Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL).
ASHVINI to float Rs 28,000 crore EPC tender for Mahi Banswara nuclear project
Anushakti Vidhyut Nigam Limited (ASHVINI) is preparing to invite bids for the Nuclear Island Mega EPC Package (NIMEP) for Units 1 to 4 of the Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project (MBRAPP). The package, estimated at more than Rs 28,000 crore, covers four indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) units of 700 MWe each. The scope includes engineering, manufacturing, supply, civil construction, installation, testing, and commissioning assistance for nuclear island systems. ASHVINI is a subsidiary of Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) and a joint venture between NPCIL and NTPC Limited.
REC, CPRI sign MoU for quality testing under RDSS
REC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Central Power Research Institute (CPRI) to strengthen quality assurance under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). The agreement covers third-party quality testing, development of quality assurance frameworks, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives. It was signed by Yogendra Singh of REC and Dr M.G. Anandakumar of CPRI at REC’s corporate office in Gurugram. The collaboration aims to improve compliance with prescribed standards across RDSS projects.
Prototype wind turbines need ALMM listing before commercial use, says MNRE
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has clarified that prototype wind turbine models intended for commercial deployment must be included in the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for Wind before installation. In an Office Memorandum dated July 14, 2026, the Ministry stated that prototype models may continue to be installed for testing purposes under the June 12, 2025 guidelines. The amendments allow up to three prototype turbines of a particular model to be synchronised and commissioned, with power sold at mutually agreed or regulator-determined tariffs. The memorandum supersedes earlier communications and has been issued with the approval of the competent authority.