|

CEA proposes new guidelines for type-testing periodicity of power equipment

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released new draft guidelines on the periodicity of type tests for major equipment across the power value chain.  A key proposal is to exempt transformers from repeating short-circuit tests solely due to changes in bushing or on-load tap changers (OLTC), provided these components have equal or superior ratings and have successfully passed type tests per IS/IEC standards. The guidelines, titled “Guidelines for the Periodicity of Type Tests for Major…

|

Sterlite Power and Infravision partner to modernize India’s power transmission infrastructure

By

Sterlite Power has teamed up with Infravision to modernize India’s power transmission infrastructure using advanced, technology-driven construction methods.  India’s plan to build 50,000 ckm of transmission lines by 2030 underscores the need for efficient, scalable solutions, and Sterlite Power aims to be a key player in this transformation. Through this partnership, Infravision will provide its innovative transmission construction technology to support 100% of Sterlite Power’s stringing needs across high-voltage projects, ranging from 400 kV to…

|

Torrent Power reports reduced T&D losses in major licensed areas

By

Torrent Power has reported a reduction in transmission and distribution (T&D) losses across most of its licensed and franchised distribution areas for the first half (April to September) of FY25.  In the Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar licensed area, T&D losses dropped from 6.30% in H1 FY24 to 4.50% in H1 FY25. Similarly, losses in the Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu licensed area declined from 1.67% to 1.62%. Together, these two areas accounted for about 62% of…

|

Equinix partners with CleanMax for renewable energy project in Maharashtra

By

Equinix, Inc. has entered into its first power purchase agreement (PPA) in India with CleanMax to develop a 33 MW captive power plant in Maharashtra.  The facility will comprise 26.4 MWp of solar and 6.6 MW of wind capacity, with phased operations commencing in 2025.  This initiative aligns with Equinix’s sustainability strategy, aiming to meet the increasing energy demands of its International Business Exchange (IBX) data centers in Mumbai, driven by the rise in data…

|

IndiGrid, BII, and Norfund launch $300 million platform

By

IndiGrid, British International Investment (BII), and the Norwegian Climate Investment Fund managed by Norfund have established EnerGrid, a $300 million platform focused on greenfield transmission and standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in India.  Each partner will invest $100 million, with EnerGrid aiming to develop projects valued at approximately $1.2 billion over the next several years. Once operational, IndiGrid will acquire these projects at a pre-agreed enterprise value. IndiGrid’s Q2 FY25 investor presentation highlighted…

|

Coal India reports 22% decline in Q2 net profit

By

Coal India Limited (CIL) has reported a net profit of Rs 62.75 billion for the quarter ending September 2024, marking a 22.04% decrease from Rs 80.49 billion in the same quarter last year.  The company’s total income for the quarter stood at Rs 321.78 billion, down approximately 7.43% from Rs 347.60 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year.

|

MoP urges states to identify sites for nuclear power projects

By

Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has encouraged states to identify viable sites for nuclear power plants, especially in areas far from coal sources.  The government has already shortlisted 18 locations across the country for new nuclear capacity, aiming to increase nuclear power from 8 GW to 20 GW by 2032.  The Minister advised states to repurpose sites of retired coal-based thermal plants for this purpose. At the recent Power Ministers’ conference on 12 November 2024,…

|

India signs MoU with IEA for critical minerals cooperation

By

The Ministry of Mines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to advance cooperation in critical minerals.  This agreement, recently approved by the Cabinet, will grant India access to IEA’s data, analysis, and policy recommendations, aiding in refining policies, regulations, and investment strategies to align with global standards. The collaboration is expected to enhance India’s technical capabilities and institutional strength in the critical mineral sector, fostering capacity building and…

|

Tata Power commissions 126 MW floating solar project in Madhya Pradesh

By

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has commissioned a 126 MW Omkareshwar floating solar project in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh.  The Rs 5.96 billion engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project was awarded by NHDC Limited and will supply power to the Madhya Pradesh Power Transmission Company Limited (MPPTCL).  Completed within 26 months, this installation is among India’s largest floating solar projects, marking a significant milestone in the country’s renewable energy sector. With this…

|

Power ministry to launch Rs 10 billion scheme for MSME energy efficiency

By

The Ministry of Power (MoP) is set to launch a Rs 10 billion scheme to support energy efficiency initiatives among small and medium businesses, aiming to incentivize adoption of energy-efficient technologies.  Under the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s ADEETIE scheme (Assistance in Deploying Energy Efficient Technologies in Industries & Establishments), the plan will provide interest subvention of approximately five percent for small enterprises and three percent for medium enterprises. Technologies covered include automation systems for resource…