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PGCIL, Adani, Sterlite Power in race for Gujarat’s HVDC transmission project

Three players—Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL), Adani Energy Solutions Ltd (AESL), and Sterlite Power—have qualified to compete for a major interstate transmission system (ISTS) scheme in Gujarat, involving high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology. The scheme is part of the Khavda V-A Power Transmission project, aimed at evacuating 8 GW of renewable energy from the Khavda region in Gujarat. Developer selection is being conducted through tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB). The project is estimated to…

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Shaanxi completes Section 1 of China’s Longdong-Shandong UHVDC project

Shaanxi Power Transmission and Transformation Engineering Company, a unit of China’s State Grid Shaanxi Electric Power Company, has completed the Shaanxi Section 1 of the ±800 kV Longdong to Shandong ultra high voltage direct current (UHVDC) project. The 933.9 km transmission line in China will run from the Longdong converter station in Gansu Province to the Dongping converter station in Shandong Province, passing through Gansu (109.2 km), Shaanxi (178.12 km), Shanxi (334.88 km), Hebei (178.5…

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Eaton to establish Rs 2 billion R&D centre in Tamil Nadu

Eaton, the over-century-old intelligent power management company, has announced plans to establish a research and development centre in Tamil Nadu, strengthening its presence in India. The new facility, spanning 1 lakh sq ft, will be located in Sholinganallur, Chengalpet district, and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Chief Minister M K Stalin and Minister for Industries TRB Rajaa, currently in the United States to attract investments, signed a memorandum of understanding…

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Ather Energy expands into Sri Lanka with EV market entry

Ather Energy, a leading Indian electric two-wheeler manufacturer, is entering the Sri Lankan market, following its successful expansion into Nepal. The company plans to open its first experience centre in Sri Lanka next quarter through a partnership with Evolution Auto, which will manage sales and service operations. To support EV adoption, Ather will also develop a fast-charging network across Sri Lanka. This move aligns with the growing demand for EVs in Sri Lanka due to…

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Ireda to raise Rs 45 billion through FPO

Public sector non-banking financial company (NBFC) Ireda Limited plans to raise Rs 45 billion through a follow-on public offering (FPO). The company has scheduled a board meeting on August 29, 2024, to seek approval for the fundraising. The proposal includes raising funds via equity share capital through an FPO, Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP), Rights Issue, Preferential Issue, or other permitted methods. Ireda, under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), aims to raise Rs…

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Ola Electric launches three motorcycle variants, stocks surge 

Electric vehicle maker Ola Electric Mobility has introduced a new series of motorcycles, marking its entry into the largely untapped motorcycle segment of India’s two-wheeler market. This launch comes shortly after the company’s initial public offering (IPO), which raised $734 million. India’s electric two-wheeler market is predominantly dominated by scooters, with motorcycles accounting for just 1% of EV sales. Ola Electric aims to shift this dynamic with its three new motorcycle variants, including the entry-level…

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NCT deliberates subsea HVDC line for Andaman & Nicobar Islands 

The National Committee on Transmission (NCT) is considering a subsea High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) line to meet the rising power demand in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI). This project aims to address ANI’s projected peak demand of 79 MW by FY30 and reduce reliance on diesel generators, which currently supply a significant portion of the Union territory’s power. The proposed HVDC link will deliver electricity from Paradeep, Odisha, through a ±320kV, 500-MW HVDC…

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Automakers oppose hybrid car incentives in Uttar Pradesh

Hyundai, Kia Motors, Tata, and Mahindra are lobbying against Uttar Pradesh’s decision to offer hybrid car incentives. They argue it undermines the push for electric vehicles (EVs) and disrupts investment plans. Uttar Pradesh, which accounts for 10% of India’s car sales, recently waived registration taxes on some hybrid cars, making them 10% cheaper. This move saves up to $5,200 on a Toyota Camry hybrid. Hyundai, Kia, Tata, and Mahindra, who don’t sell hybrids in India,…

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PGCIL emerges as L1 for Transmission system for evacuation of power from Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I 

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) has emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) for the Transmission system for evacuation of power from Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in Rajasthan (20 GW) under Phase-III Part I. REC Power Development & Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), its bid process coordinator, will transfer the special purpose vehicle (SPV) Rajasthan Part I Power Transmission Limited to PGCIL upon completion of formalities. The project is estimated at Rs 127 billion and will…

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Lessons from the Indo-Pacific for Latin America’s Energy Transition and Global Governance

The Indo-Pacific region, spanning the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific, has become increasingly prominent due to shifting geopolitical dynamics, particularly in trade, investment, infrastructure, and security. The Indo-Pacific’s experience with high carbon emissions and advancements in renewable energy—such as India’s 35.8% and Indonesia’s 22% share of clean energy in 2020—provides useful insights for Latin America, which faces similar energy supply and development issues. Both regions are facing transitioning to renewable energy amid large…