Power Sector News Roundup for April 14, 2026

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 wind, and BESS, with detailed provisions under regulations 142 to 153. The draft sets performance benchmarks, operational requirements, communication protocols, and safety standards, including minimum efficiency thresholds and data storage requirements. It also standardises definitions and mandates system capabilities such as grid support functions and SCADA and EMS integration.

CEA panel outlines phased shift away from SF₆ in substations

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a committee report recommending a phased transition away from sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas in high-voltage substations. The report cites SF₆’s high global warming potential and references tightening international regulations, including the European Union’s F-Gas Regulation (2024/574). It evaluates alternatives under “Green GIS” technologies and notes cost premiums of six to eight times over conventional systems. A phased adoption is proposed starting with pilot projects in 2027–28, followed by gradual scale-up from 2029–30 or 2030–31. The report also highlights testing infrastructure gaps and recommends policy support, domestic manufacturing, and a shift to Quality and Cost Based Selection (QCBS) procurement.

GAIL approves 600 MW solar and BESS project in Uttar Pradesh

GAIL (India) Limited has approved a greenfield 600 MW solar project in Uttar Pradesh with 550 MWh of co-located BESS at its board meeting held on April 13, 2026. The project cost is estimated at INR 3,294.86 crore, including interest during construction, taxes, and related expenditure. It will be financed through a mix of debt and equity, with completion expected within 15 months from EPC award. The project expands GAIL’s renewable portfolio, which currently includes around 29 MW of operational solar capacity. In March, GAIL also invested Rs 130 million in Leafiniti Bioenergy Private Limited for compressed biogas projects across Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Odisha.

ANDRITZ wins equipment order for 3,000 MW Saidongar PSP

ANDRITZ has secured an order from Torrent Power Limited to supply electromechanical equipment for the 3,000 MW Saidongar-1 Karjat pumped storage project in Raigad district, Maharashtra. The order, valued in the low three-digit million euro range, will be booked in the first quarter of 2026. The scope includes ten reversible pump turbines, motor-generators, and associated systems. The project, being developed by Torrent PSH 3 Private Limited, has an estimated cost of Rs 13,505 crore and an expected generation of 6,241 GWh annually. Construction is expected to take 45 to 48 months.

ACME commissions wind and BESS capacity in Gujarat, Rajasthan

ACME Solar Holdings Limited has commissioned wind and BESS capacity across Gujarat and Rajasthan on April 13, 2026. Its subsidiary, ACME Eco Clean Energy Private Limited, completed the final 4 MW tranche of a 100 MW wind project in Surendranagar district, Gujarat. In Rajasthan, ACME Surya Power Private Limited added 32.366 MW / 145.435 MWh in Bikaner, while ACME Suryodaya Private Limited added 38 MW / 80.252 MWh in Jaisalmer. The total capacities now stand at 139.509 MW / 626.875 MWh and 285 MW / 601.904 MWh, respectively. The COD for both BESS phases is scheduled for April 15, 2026.

GPIL subsidiary signs LFP cell supply deal for 20 GWh BESS plan

Godawari New Energy Private Limited (GNEPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Godawari Power and Ispat Limited (GPIL), has signed a five-year agreement with EVE Power Co. Ltd for supply of 628 Ah lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) cells. The agreement supports the first phase of GNEPL’s planned 20 GWh BESS manufacturing programme. The contract includes Grade 1 cells and aligns with the industry shift toward higher-capacity prismatic formats. The filing does not disclose contract value, volumes, or plant location. The agreement provides procurement visibility for a key cost component in BESS manufacturing.

MNRE sets fees for ALMM wind turbine component listings

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued a circular dated April 13, 2026, formalising application fees under the ALMM-WTC framework. Inclusion or updates involving type certificate changes will require Rs 3 lakh per model, per major component, per manufacturing location, with physical inspection. For multiple models under one site visit, the fee is Rs 1.5 lakh per model plus Rs 1.5 lakh. Components up to 1 MW capacity receive a 50% fee reduction, while document-only updates cost Rs 50,000 without inspection. Fees are payable to the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) via NEFT, RTGS, or net banking.