Power Sector News Roundup for June 17, 2026
POWERGRID wins WR-ER inter-regional transmission project
Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID) has emerged as the successful bidder for the “WR-ER Inter-Regional Network Expansion Scheme Part-A” transmission project under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) route. The project will be developed on a Build, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) basis, with an overall Scheduled COD of 36 months from the Effective Date. It includes new substations in Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand, transmission line works, and associated extensions to strengthen connectivity between the Western Region and Eastern Region. The assets will be transferred to the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) at zero cost after 35 years from COD.
NHPC signs MoA for 3,097 MW Etalin hydro project in Arunachal Pradesh
NHPC Limited has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh for implementation of the 3,097 MW Etalin Hydro Electric Project on the Dri and Tangon rivers in the Dibang Basin. The agreement grants NHPC rights for investigations, DPR preparation, financing, development, operation, and maintenance of the project. The project will be developed on a BOOT basis with a lease period of 40 years from COD. The Central Electricity Authority approved the DPRs in November 2023, and the project was later reassigned to NHPC.
KPTCL launches dynamic line rating pilot on Bengaluru transmission line
Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) has launched a Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) pilot on the 220 kV Puttenahalli–Sahakarnagar transmission line in Bengaluru. The technology is expected to increase transmission capacity by up to 25% through real-time monitoring of weather conditions and conductor performance. KPTCL has issued a Letter of Intent for the project, making it among the first state transmission utilities in South India to adopt DLR. The pilot will evaluate operational benefits and performance under Indian grid conditions before wider deployment.
Gujarat’s new industrial policy extends incentives to SMR and nuclear equipment makers
The Government of Gujarat has included “Nuclear Power Equipment (including Small Modular Reactors)” among the thrust sectors under the Viksit Gujarat Industrial Policy 2026. The move makes nuclear power equipment manufacturers eligible for incentives available under the policy, which came into effect on June 1, 2026. The provision is expected to support localisation of the nuclear supply chain and attract investment into nuclear equipment manufacturing. The policy also includes measures related to renewable energy, green industrial parks, power tariff subsidies, and localisation initiatives.
AIDAA seeks resource adequacy reforms, sees Rs 2.27 lakh crore savings
The All India DISCOMs Association (AIDAA) has proposed reforms to India’s resource adequacy planning framework, stating that improved planning could generate savings of up to Rs 2.27 lakh crore. The association has recommended granular demand forecasting, renewable energy optimisation, procurement reforms, and better reserve planning. According to its analysis, greater renewable energy integration under a “Full RE” scenario could significantly reduce system costs compared to a Business As Usual approach. AIDAA said the recommendations could help shape future policy discussions around the Draft National Electricity Policy, 2026.
Tamil Nadu approves 231 substations worth Rs 15,032 crore
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has approved the construction of 231 new substations at an estimated cost of Rs 15,032 crore. The decision is aimed at strengthening the state’s power distribution infrastructure and improving supply reliability. The government has also approved recruitment of 15,058 power sector workers to support operations and fault response. Tamil Nadu currently serves around 3.52 crore consumers through 1,910 substations and more than 4.47 lakh transformers.
IEA cites India’s auction model as Southeast Asia faces energy security risks
The International Energy Agency (IEA), in its Southeast Asia Energy Outlook 2026, has cited India’s renewable energy auction framework as a useful model for Southeast Asian countries. The report noted India’s achievement of 50% non-fossil power generation capacity ahead of schedule and highlighted innovations such as Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) auctions. According to the IEA, predictable procurement frameworks, institutional support, and system-oriented tenders offer lessons for emerging clean energy markets. The report also examined growing energy security risks and rising fossil fuel import dependence across Southeast Asia.
MNRE launches WT-MARUT portal for wind turbine supply chain management
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched the WT-MARUT (Wind Turbine Materials and Resources Utility Tracker) portal to improve transparency and domestic sourcing in the wind sector. The platform has been developed with support from the Indian Wind Turbine Manufacturers Association (IWTMA) and is intended to facilitate supplier discovery and supply chain visibility. The launch took place during the Global Wind Day Conference 2026 in Goa. India added a record 6.1 GW of wind capacity during FY 2025-26, taking cumulative installed wind capacity beyond 56 GW.
Navitas Solar to invest Rs 1,500 crore in 3.6 GW solar cell plant
Navitas Solar has announced plans to invest around Rs 1,500 crore in a 3.6 GW solar cell manufacturing facility and a pilot wafer-and-ingot production line at its Ankleshwar campus in Gujarat. The investment includes around Rs 1,400 crore for solar cell manufacturing and Rs 100 crore for upstream wafer and ingot production. The first phase is targeted for commissioning in 2027. The company expects the expansion to strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities and create nearly 1,000 direct jobs.
Rajesh Power wins Rs 211 crore transmission order, marks entry into Odisha
Rajesh Power Services Limited (RPSL) has secured an order worth Rs 211.68 crore, including taxes, from Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL). The contract covers the design, engineering, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of a 220kV underground transmission line connecting GSS Mendhasal and GIS GSS Chandaka-B. The scope also includes extension works at both substations. Scheduled for completion within 24 months, the project marks RPSL’s entry into Odisha and expands its presence in eastern India.