Power Sector News Roundup for December 1, 2025

India:

MNRE proposes higher efficiency norms for ALMM solar modules

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued a draft plan to raise minimum efficiency levels for solar PV modules listed under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers. The proposal introduces phased standards from January 1, 2027 and tighter levels from January 1, 2028. Category I utility scale c Si modules would need 21.0 percent in 2027 and 21.5 percent in 2028, while CdTe modules would move to 20.0 percent and 20.5 percent. Similar increases apply across rooftop, off grid, and other applications in Categories II to IV. Modules that fail to meet the new benchmarks will be removed once the revised norms take effect. The ministry has invited stakeholder feedback until December 27, 2025.

Power Ministry sets up expert panels to resolve CPSU project disputes

The Ministry of Power has introduced a new framework to settle contractual disputes in projects run by Central Public Sector Undertakings and statutory bodies. The system relies on Conciliation Committees of Independent Experts, which offer an alternative to arbitration and court processes. Each committee has three members drawn from former top government officials, power sector specialists, and senior finance professionals, with coal mining expertise added in 2022. Proceedings must finish in three months, with a further three months possible only in exceptional situations. The approach aims to ease delays, reduce legal costs, and support timely execution of power projects.

Waaree Energies secures 140 MW domestic module order

Waaree Energies Ltd has secured a 140 MW solar module order from a customer active in renewable project development and operations in India. Deliveries will be completed in the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The company stated that the order is a one time domestic supply and involves no related party. Waaree did not disclose the contract value or client name. The order indicates steady demand and support for the company’s order book.

NTPC and MAHAGENCO to acquire Simar Thermal Power project

NTPC Limited and Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd have received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal in Delhi to acquire Simar Thermal Power Limited. The asset includes a 1350 MW coal based power plant in Nashik with five units of 270 MW each. The acquisition is expected to strengthen their generation portfolios and expand their position in western India. The next steps will follow the conditions of the tribunal order and relevant legal requirements. The case has progressed under the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.

Serentica plans up to $8 billion fundraise to expand clean energy portfolio

Serentica Renewables plans to raise 6 to 8 billion dollars over the next five years to support acquisitions and new clean energy projects. Chairman Pratik Agarwal said the company intends to invest 10 to 11 billion dollars to reach 17 GW by 2029 to 2030. Serentica currently operates 2 GW and expects another 2 GW within ten months. It is assessing 3 to 5 GW of renewable assets available in the market. Agarwal’s transmission venture Resonia also plans to invest 1.5 to 2.5 billion dollars each year to expand transmission needed for India’s 500 GW non fossil target by 2030.

Sunsure signs solar PPA with Bisleri for Ghaziabad plant

Sunsure Energy has signed a long term renewable power purchase agreement with Bisleri International Private Limited. Supply will come from Sunsure’s 82.5 MWp solar project in Erach, Uttar Pradesh. The agreement will allow Bisleri to meet 48 percent of its power use with renewable energy and avoid about 2700 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. Sunsure recently signed a 19.36 MW round the clock wind solar PPA with Deepak Fertilisers and raised 1.3 billion rupees from NIIF Infrastructure Finance in October for refinancing three captive solar projects.

Oriano signs PPA with GUVNL for 57 MW solar project

Oriano Clean Energy Private Limited has signed a power purchase agreement with Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited for a 57 MW project under the GUVNL 500 MW Solar Phase XXVII tender. The project will be completed within 24 months. Oriano said the schedule supports timely delivery and aligns with its shift from a pure EPC contractor to a wider energy solutions business. The company now manages more than 3 GWp across commissioned, under construction, and IPP assets. It has also built capabilities in Extra High Voltage work up to 400 kV for state and central utilities.

Global:

Japan’s FAST fusion project clears key design milestone

Starlight Engine and Kyoto Fusioneering have finished the conceptual design for the FAST fusion demonstration plant one year after the project started in November 2024. The report outlines the plant objectives, system design, feasibility, and schedule, and aligns with Japan’s national Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy. FAST targets about 50 MW of fusion output using deuterium tritium plasma and neutral beam heating in a low aspect ratio tokamak similar to JT 60SA. The design uses high temperature superconducting magnets and liquid breeding blankets and draws on experience from JT 60SA, ITER, and DEMO. Engineering design now begins, with a detailed report expected in 2028 and construction planned after 2028.