Power Sector News Roundup for January 13, 2026

India

POWERGRID charges 765 kV Bhadla II–Sikar II transmission line

Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has charged the 765 kV double circuit Bhadla II–Sikar II (2nd) transmission line to strengthen renewable power evacuation from Rajasthan. The charging was executed by POWERGRID Bhadla Sikar Transmission Limited (PBSTL), a tariff based competitive bidding subsidiary. The project forms part of the Transmission System Strengthening Scheme for Evacuation of Power from Solar Energy Zones in Rajasthan with 8.1 GW capacity under Phase II Part E. The line includes associated bays and switchable line reactors at both Bhadla II and Sikar II substations. The commissioning is expected to improve large scale solar evacuation and grid reliability in the region.

KPI Green signs MoU with Gujarat for 855 MW renewable projects

KPI Green Energy Limited has signed an MoU with the Government of Gujarat to develop renewable energy projects worth around Rs 4,000 crore. The agreement, signed on January 12, 2026 in Rajkot, covers about 855 MW of solar and ISTS connected wind solar hybrid capacity. The portfolio includes a 200 MW DC solar project under the Distributed Renewable Energy Banking Policy and captive schemes, a 405 MW solar project, and 250 MW of wind solar hybrid projects. The developments are planned in Devbhumi Dwarka and Kutch. The projects are expected to generate around 4,000 jobs, subject to statutory approvals.

NLC India board clears NIRL listing, Rs 66.6 crore investment

NLC India Limited has approved the in principle listing of its wholly owned subsidiary, NLC India Renewables Limited (NIRL). The proposal involves dilution of up to 25 percent equity through public offerings under the National Monetisation Pipeline, subject to approvals from the Ministry of Coal and DIPAM. The board also cleared an investment of up to Rs 66.60 crore in NIRL to fund renewable projects through joint ventures. These decisions follow the transfer of seven renewable energy assets to NIRL on 01 January 2026. All approvals remain subject to statutory and administrative clearances.

Shakti Pumps enters Karnataka with Rs 654 crore solar pump order

Shakti Pumps (India) Limited has secured its first major order from Karnataka for solar pumping systems. Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited has awarded the company a Rs 654.03 crore contract for 16,780 standalone off grid DC solar photovoltaic water pumping systems. The work includes design, supply, installation, and commissioning under Component B of the PM KUSUM scheme. The project is scheduled for completion by 31 March 2026. The order adds to recent wins across several states, taking cumulative orders in the past month to around Rs 1,900 crore.

Solex Energy wins Rs 276 crore order for N-type TOPCon modules

Solex Energy Limited has received a Rs 276 crore order from a domestic independent power producer for N type TOPCon solar modules. The order covers 615 Wp and 620 Wp glass to glass G12R modules, with deliveries planned between February and May 2026. The value includes all applicable duties and taxes, and the company has confirmed there are no related party transactions. Solex began commercial production at its 2.2 GW Surat module facility in November 2025. The order strengthens visibility for the company’s manufacturing operations.

Reliance outlines Rs 7 lakh crore Gujarat investment plan

Mukesh Ambani has announced a Rs 7 lakh crore investment roadmap for Gujarat over the next five years. The plan focuses on clean energy, digital infrastructure, and development in Kutch and Saurashtra, and was announced at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference in Rajkot. Reliance Industries Limited plans to double its cumulative investment in the state from Rs 3.5 lakh crore invested since 2021. Clean energy investments include an integrated ecosystem in Jamnagar spanning solar, batteries, and green hydrogen. The strategy also includes building an artificial intelligence ready data centre in Jamnagar.

EIE Renewables wins WBSEDCL 10 MW rooftop solar auction

EIE Renewables Private Limited has emerged as the winning bidder in a 10 MW rooftop solar tender floated by WBSEDCL. The project involves grid connected rooftop systems across eight districts in West Bengal. Medinipur, Bankura, Kolkata South, and Kolkata North will each host 1.5 MW, while Bardhaman, Berhampore, Malda, and Siliguri will each host 1 MW. The estimated work cost is Rs 58.5 million for the four larger locations and Rs 39 million for the remaining districts. Completion is required within seven months from the letter of award.

India, Germany scale up renewable energy and green hydrogen cooperation

India and Germany have agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy and green hydrogen following Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s visit on 12 to 13 January 2026. Both sides reviewed progress under the Green and Sustainable Development Partnership, with around €5 billion of Germany’s €10 billion commitment already allocated since 2022. New Joint Working Groups on solar manufacturing, wind energy, and battery energy storage solutions were welcomed. Green hydrogen cooperation included alignment of national strategies and a major green ammonia offtake agreement between AM Green and Uniper Global Commodities. An Indo German Centre of Excellence for Skilling in Renewable Energy will also be established.

CTU issues advisory on additional RE capacity in connectivity studies

The Central Transmission Utility has issued an advisory on handling cases where installed renewable capacity differs from connectivity grants. Referring to a CERC order dated December 8, 2025, the CTU clarified that additional equipment for technical compliance at the point of injection is permitted without extra bank guarantees. Such capacity can be used for reactive power, losses, or compliance with grid standards, while active power injection cannot exceed granted levels. CTUIL will confirm requirements through system studies, and applicants must submit undertakings and simulation results. The advisory also covers derating, transformer overloading, and limits on study revisions.

MNRE extends timelines for RE projects delayed by GIB case

MNRE has granted time extensions to renewable energy projects in Rajasthan and Gujarat delayed due to the Great Indian Bustard case. The order dated January 12, 2026 treats delays in Section 68 approvals as force majeure events. Extensions will apply to delays between March 21, 2024 and December 19, 2025, linked to the Supreme Court proceedings. Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies have been directed to adjust commissioning and supply dates accordingly. The relief excludes projects with original commissioning dates before March 21, 2024 or those that did not apply for approval by December 19, 2025.

Global

Meta signs nuclear energy agreements with Oklo, TerraPower and Vistra

Meta has signed agreements with Oklo, TerraPower, and Vistra to support nuclear energy projects in the United States. The projects could support up to 6.6 GW of clean energy capacity by 2035, supplying grids that power Meta’s data centres. Agreements with TerraPower cover up to 2.8 GW of Natrium reactor capacity, including built in energy storage. Oklo will develop a new nuclear campus in Ohio with up to 1.2 GW capacity. Meta has also signed 20 year power purchase agreements with Vistra for more than 2.1 GW from existing nuclear plants.

China commissions 500 MW hybrid energy storage project

China has connected the Jiayuguan NingSheng 500 MW/1,000 MWh hybrid energy storage project to the grid in Gansu province. The facility combines 475 MW of LFP batteries with a 25 MW supercapacitor system for rapid response services. The project was completed in about 15 months and is connected through a 330 kV transmission line. Designed for extreme desert conditions, it operates between minus 40 and 60 degrees Celsius. The commissioning supports China’s plan to add more than 180 GW of new type energy storage by 2027.