Power Bytes

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…

CEA proposes technical standards for renewable plants and BESS construction The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued a draft amendment to its Technical Standards for Construction of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines Regulations, 2022, introducing a dedicated framework for renewable energy projects and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The amendment is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2027, if notified. It introduces a new Chapter VI covering solar, floating solar, onshore and offshore…

Maharashtra clears MSEDCL split, Mahavitaran IPO plan The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the restructuring of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), enabling its bifurcation and a planned stock market listing. The utility will be split into Mahavitaran for non-agricultural consumers and MSEB Solar Agro Power Limited (MSAPL) for agricultural supply, with Rs 2,500 crore earmarked for solar-based infrastructure. An IPO of Mahavitaran’s non-agricultural business is expected within six to nine months, subject to regulatory…

India’s PFBR at Kalpakkam achieves criticality, advancing second stage of nuclear programme India’s indigenously designed and built Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu has attained criticality, marking a key milestone in the three-stage nuclear programme. The 500 MWe reactor can now sustain a self-sustaining nuclear fission reaction without external intervention. This confirms that the reactor core is functioning as designed and enables progression toward full power generation. The PFBR forms the…

JSW, Torrent Power get EAC nod for 1,600 MW coal plants in West Bengal, MP The Expert Appraisal Committee for Thermal Projects has recommended environmental clearance for two 1,600 MW coal-based ultra-supercritical power projects by JSW Thermal Energy Limited and Torrent Power Limited. The projects, each comprising two units of 800 MW, will use domestic coal under the SHAKTI policy, with rail-based transport and zero liquid discharge systems. The JSW project in Paschim Medinipur, West…

Inox Clean Energy acquires Vibrant Energy for ~Rs 5,000 crore INOXGFL Group has expanded its renewable portfolio, with subsidiary Inox Clean Energy completing the acquisition of Vibrant Energy from Macquarie Corporate Holdings for around Rs 5,000 crore. The transaction, completed in four months, adds a 1,337 MW portfolio of solar and hybrid assets. The acquired portfolio supplies power to commercial and industrial (C&I) consumers across Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh. Vibrant Energy’s…