Power Sector News Roundup for February 2, 2026

India

CEA flags widespread non-compliance with mandatory transformer standards

The Central Electricity Authority has flagged continued non-compliance by power utilities with mandatory transformer and reactor rating standards. In a letter dated 24 January 2026, the CEA directed utilities and generation companies to strictly follow standard specifications for transformers and reactors rated 66 kV and above. These specifications were issued in April 2021 and became legally binding under regulations notified in December 2022. The CEA said non-standard ratings in tenders lead to fresh design and testing, longer delivery timelines, higher costs, and lower bidder participation. The directive was circulated to over 60 utilities, including NTPC Ltd, Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd, and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited.

Adani, five others qualify for Maharashtra power transmission project

PFC Consulting Limited has qualified six companies to proceed to financial bidding for an intra-state transmission project in Maharashtra. The project involves establishing a 400/220 kV AIS substation at Wagdari in Solapur district, along with associated transmission lines. The technically qualified bidders are Adani Energy Solutions Limited, KCC Buildcon Limited, Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited, Montecarlo Limited, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited, and Resonia Limited. The scheme includes three 500 MVA transformers and multiple 400 kV and 220 kV double circuit lines. The infrastructure is intended to support grid connectivity and solar power evacuation in the region.

RECPDCL issues RFP for interstate line to evacuate 6 GW Rajasthan solar power

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited has issued an RFP for selecting a developer for an interstate transmission project to evacuate 6 GW of solar power from Rajasthan. The project will be executed through the acquisition of the special purpose vehicle Barmer HVDC Power Transmission Limited. It includes ±800 kV HVDC terminal stations at Barmer-II and South Kalamb and a bipole HVDC line between them. The bidding deadline is 1 April 2026, and the project is scheduled for completion within 54 months from allocation. After 35 years of operation, all assets will be transferred to the Central Transmission Utility at zero cost.

KEC International, Power Grid, Reliance Power, Solarworld report Q3 FY26 results

KEC International reported a 12% year on year rise in Q3 FY26 consolidated revenue to Rs 6,001 crore, while reported PAT stood at Rs 127 crore after an exceptional provision of Rs 59 crore. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited posted Q3 FY26 revenue of Rs 11,005.28 crore and net profit of Rs 4,160.17 crore, alongside approval of a Rs 3.25 per share interim dividend. Reliance Power reported a 40% year on year decline in consolidated PAT to Rs 2,511 lakh, with weaker liquidity indicators on a standalone basis. Solarworld Energy Solutions recorded a 187% rise in Q3 FY26 total income to Rs 5,878 million, though margins declined compared with last year.

NTPC Green commissions 210 MW at Khavda-II solar project

NTPC Green Energy Limited has declared commercial operation of 210 MW at its Khavda-II Solar PV Project in Gujarat with effect from February 1, 2026. The commissioned capacity represents the first phase of the 1,200 MW project being developed by NTPC Renewable Energy Limited. Following this addition, NTPC Green’s commercial capacity has increased to 8,478.25 MW. At the group level, NTPC’s total installed capacity has reached 87,665 MW. The segment achieved COD from 00:00 hours on February 1, 2026.

NHPC synchronises third unit, declares COD for second unit at Subansiri Lower project

NHPC Limited synchronised the third unit of 250 MW at the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project with the National Grid on 31 January 2026. It also declared the COD of the second unit of 250 MW at 00:00 hours on 01 February 2026. With these milestones, 500 MW of the project’s planned 2,000 MW capacity has been commissioned. The project spans Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and is designed to support grid stability and renewable energy integration. NHPC management credited central and state authorities, project teams, and executing agencies for the progress.

POWERGRID approves Kerala substation upgrade

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited has approved an investment of Rs 173.14 crore to augment the Thrissur VSC HVDC Station in Kerala. The scheme includes the addition of one 500 MVA, 400/220 kV interconnecting transformer and is scheduled for commissioning on August 21, 2027. The company reported Q3 FY26 consolidated PAT of Rs 4,160.17 crore and revenue of Rs 11,005.28 crore. The board declared a second interim dividend of Rs 3.25 per share, with a record date of February 09, 2026. It also approved the sale of stakes in three joint ventures.

REC, SJVN assign additional charges for key leadership roles

REC Limited has assigned additional charge of Director Finance to its Chairman and Managing Director, Shri Jitendra Srivastava, effective February 1, 2026. The arrangement follows the superannuation of Shri Harsh Baweja, who served as Director Finance and CFO until January 31, 2026. Separately, SJVN Limited extended the additional charge of Chairman and Managing Director to Shri Bhupender Gupta for six months. The extension was directed by the Ministry of Power through an order dated January 30, 2026. SJVN also reported the cessation of Shri Anil Kumar from senior management following his superannuation.

Tata Power commissions 765 kV transmission corridors in Uttar Pradesh

Tata Power Company Limited has commissioned two 765 kV transmission corridors in Uttar Pradesh, adding 574 circuit kilometers to the state network. The lines include the Mainpuri Bara and Mainpuri Unnao corridors developed under the SEUPPTCL project. Once fully operational, the system is expected to enable evacuation of more than 3,000 MW of thermal power. Project execution involved extensive engineering work and over 100 major crossings. Tata Power’s operational transmission portfolio now stands at 5,312 circuit kilometers.

India, Canada advance energy dialogue and clean tech cooperation

India and Canada have reinstated the India-Canada Ministerial Energy Dialogue during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa. The renewed engagement focuses on energy security, LNG and LPG trade, clean technology, and critical minerals. Both sides discussed collaboration on battery supply chains, carbon capture, and renewable energy projects. India highlighted domestic initiatives such as FAME-II and PM E-DRIVE, while Canada offered cooperation in critical minerals and battery technology. The partnership aims to align long-term energy and net-zero goals of both countries.

Global

Fraunhofer ISE tests medium voltage solar plants to cut costs and materials

Fraunhofer ISE in Germany is developing medium voltage photovoltaic power plants to reduce material use and system costs. Two 135 kW pilot plants will operate at 3 kV DC and 1.2 kV AC in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. The approach can reduce conductor cross-sectional area by about 75%, cutting copper and aluminium use. The project uses a new inverter based on silicon carbide semiconductors and is supported by industry partners. Funding comes from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy under its energy transition programme.