Power Sector News Roundup for January 5, 2026

India

Inox Clean acquires 250 MWp solar portfolio from SunSource Energy

Inox Clean Energy Limited, through Inox Neo Energies Limited, has purchased 250 MWp of operational solar assets from SunSource Energy Private Limited, a subsidiary of SHV Energy. The portfolio spans 13 states and supplies long-term power to commercial and industrial customers such as Britannia Industries and Hitachi Energy. Another ~50 MWp acquisition is being considered. The deal supports Inox Clean’s target to build 3 GW of renewable capacity by FY26 while developing an integrated manufacturing and generation platform.

NTPC evaluates stake in Clean Core Thorium Energy

NTPC Limited confirmed that it is assessing a possible minority stake investment in Clean Core Thorium Energy in the United States as part of its nuclear growth plan. The clarification followed queries from BSE and NSE after market speculation. NTPC said any decision would depend on detailed evaluation and approvals, and stated that no agreement has been signed. The company is targeting about 30 GW of nuclear capacity, contributing to India’s 100 GW nuclear ambition by 2047, and is also engaging with Rosatom, EDF and Holtec on reactor technologies.

Draft rules propose clearer norms for captive power plants

The Ministry of Power has issued draft amendments to the Electricity Rules, 2005 to clarify qualification criteria for Captive Generating Plants. The proposals refine ownership definitions to recognise shareholding through subsidiaries and holding structures, and give entities flexibility to choose assessment periods, supported by weighted average calculations where shareholding changes. Provisions for Associations of Persons allow operationally driven power draw while protecting plant-level consumption thresholds. Verification responsibilities are assigned to state nodal agencies and the National Load Despatch Centre, with exemptions on surcharges during assessment. The draft aims to reduce disputes, support industrial costs, and improve grid stability.

EAC reviews four major thermal power proposals in 35th meeting

The Expert Appraisal Committee for Thermal Power reviewed four coal power proposals in its 35th meeting. The Udangudi 2×660 MW project was deferred due to compliance gaps and documentation issues despite earlier approvals. A capacity expansion proposal by Jhabua Power Limited was returned for inconsistencies, while a request by MEIL Anpara Energy to avoid FGD installation was rejected over air quality and data discrepancies. A proposed 3,200 MW project in Assam received Terms of Reference with strict environmental and risk-related conditions.

GUVNL awards 306 MW wind capacity at lower tariffs

Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited has awarded 306 MW of wind projects to four developers after a competitive auction. Powerica received 106.4 MW and KP Group 50 MW at Rs 3.44 per kWh, while Patel Infrastructure and ALFANAR Power secured 100 MW and 50 MW at Rs 3.43 per kWh. The tariffs are lower than GUVNL’s previous procurement round. Projects must meet a minimum 25% CUF, develop transmission infrastructure, and comply with penalty clauses for underperformance and delays.

AGEL sets up Adani Ecogen Five subsidiary for new renewable projects

Adani Green Energy Limited has set up a new subsidiary, Adani Ecogen Five Limited, to develop renewable power projects. The company was incorporated on 01 January 2026 under Adani Renewable Energy Holding Eleven Limited. It currently has a paid-up capital of Rs 1,00,000 and has not started commercial operations. This follows the recent incorporation of Adani Ecogen Four Limited with a similar mandate.

KPI Green begins 2026 with BESS award and early hybrid project commissioning

KPI Green Energy reported multiple updates including a Letter of Intent from GUVNL for 445 MW or 890 MWh standalone Battery Energy Storage System projects with Viability Gap Funding support. This marks the company’s first major utility-scale storage win. The company also commissioned a 92.15 MWp hybrid IPP project in Gujarat ahead of schedule, supplying power under a PPA with GUVNL. It also received charging approvals for additional solar and hybrid captive capacity.

Ahasolar wins consultancy contract for 875 MW Rajasthan solar project

Ahasolar Technologies has received a consultancy work order valued at about Rs 1.18 crore for an 875 MW solar project in Rajasthan. The assignment covers Owner’s Engineering and Project Management Consultancy services for a project located in RVUNL’s 2,000 MW solar park in Bikaner. The execution period is 18 months. The company stated that the contract is not a related party transaction.

Coal India opens e-auctions to foreign buyers; advances BCCL IPO filing

Coal India Limited has allowed direct participation of buyers from Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal in its e-auctions from 01 January 2026. Alongside this policy update, it reported December 2025 coal production at 75.7 million tonnes, up 4.6% year on year, while offtake declined 5.2% to 64.9 million tonnes. Cumulative April to December 2025 production reached 529.2 million tonnes, lower by 2.6% compared to last year, with mixed subsidiary performance. Coal India has also filed the Red Herring Prospectus for Bharat Coking Coal Limited’s IPO.

Global

China brings first gigawatt-scale fixed offshore solar project online

China Energy Investment Corp has fully commissioned the 1 GW HG14 offshore solar project in Shandong. The installation is located about 8 km offshore, spans around 1,223 hectares, and uses fixed-pile structures to handle marine and seasonal ice conditions. It includes a 100 MW or 200 MWh battery storage system to stabilise output and grid integration. The project is expected to generate about 1.78 TWh annually and also uses a dual model with aquaculture beneath the arrays.