Power Sector News Roundup for November 14, 2025

India

CEA issues guidelines for tariff bidding in WTE projects

The Central Electricity Authority has released guidelines under Section 63 of the Electricity Act 2003 for tariff-based competitive bidding to procure power from new grid-connected Waste to Energy projects. The rules set a uniform process for procurement and apply only to projects that use commercially proven technologies. They define the responsibilities of the implementing agency, the developer, and the procurer. The bidding process will follow a single stage with two separate envelopes for technical and financial evaluation on an electronic platform. The framework requires a PPA term of at least twenty years, sets payment security conditions, treats all available power as must run, and allows liquidated damages and termination for extended delays.

Power ministry directs REIAs to resolve 42 GW backlog of unsigned PPAs and PSAs

The Ministry of Power has directed Renewable Energy Implementing Agencies to resolve the backlog of nearly 42 GW of awarded renewable energy projects that still lack Power Purchase Agreements and Power Sale Agreements. The guidance aims to release transmission capacity that remains blocked because contracting has stalled. The directive follows a review meeting on October 17 2025 where officials noted weak demand from distribution companies for plain variable renewable power and a shift toward storage-backed options. MNRE later clarified that there would be no blanket cancellations and asked REIAs to assess each Letter of Award based on viability. The final direction allows cancellations only when PPA signing is not possible, after consultations with developers.

MNRE launches CfP for biomass based green hydrogen pilots

The Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi has launched a call for proposals for pilot projects that produce green hydrogen from biomass and waste. The government has allocated Rs 1 billion for these projects in addition to Rs 1 billion already set aside for start-ups under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. BIRAC will run the programme and invite proposals from industry, start-ups, and research bodies. The announcement was made at the 3rd International Conference on Green Hydrogen in New Delhi where the Minister also unveiled the mission logo. He said the mission supports India’s clean energy goals while helping build a global role in green hydrogen.

NTPC commissions 3 MWh vanadium flow battery system

Union Power Minister Manohar Lal has inaugurated NTPC’s 3 MWh vanadium redox flow battery project at the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance in Greater Noida. The system was developed through NTPC’s in-house research and development programme to support long-duration storage and improve renewable integration. The battery uses vanadium ions in different oxidation states to store energy for long periods. The technology offers long cycle life, non-flammable operation, and flexible scaling of power and energy. NTPC sees this commissioning as a step toward expanding domestic storage expertise and reducing reliance on imported materials.

India and Bhutan inaugurate Punatsangchhu II hydropower project

India and Bhutan have inaugurated the 1,020 MW Punatsangchhu II hydroelectric project, increasing Bhutan’s hydropower capacity by almost forty percent. India has extended a Rs 40 billion concessional line of credit for Bhutan’s energy projects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck inaugurated the project during Modi’s visit on November 11 and 12. Both sides welcomed the start of electricity exports to India and reviewed progress under the Joint Vision on Energy Partnership announced in March 2024. They agreed to resume work on the main dam of the 1200 MW Punatsangchhu I project and confirmed its importance for the partnership.

Inox Wind secures 100 MW turbine order in Gujarat

Inox Wind Limited has won a 100 MW order from a green energy transition platform for wind projects in Gujarat. The order includes 3.3 MW turbines along with limited EPC work and multi-year operations and maintenance. Chief Executive Officer Sanjeev Agarwal said the company has added a new customer after recent orders of 229 MW, taking total inflows in FY26 to about 400 MW so far. He said discussions are underway for more orders that would support execution plans for the next eighteen to twenty four months. He added that growth in hybrid renewable projects is creating strong demand for wind capacity.

NTPC explores new nuclear sites across 16 states

NTPC Ltd has started the process of identifying land across sixteen states for future nuclear power projects. The company is in talks with several state governments including Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Haryana, and Gujarat. The effort supports NTPC’s plan to develop 30 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 as part of the national goal of 100 GW. NTPC created a specialised subsidiary, NTPC Paramanu Urja Nigam Ltd, earlier this year to lead its nuclear business. The company currently operates around 8 GW of nuclear capacity with Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

India to launch new weather satellite for renewable grid stability

India plans to launch a weather satellite and upgrade forecasting systems to improve modelling of climate conditions that affect solar and wind output, according to the Mint. MNRE and the Ministry of Earth Sciences are developing a joint prediction system as recent drops in wind speeds and sudden weather shifts have affected supply security. The grid operator has asked power producers to maintain reserves as other countries such as Spain and Portugal have also seen disruptions linked to weather variability. Officials say improved forecasting tools are essential, including new Doppler radars and a dedicated satellite. M Ravichandran said the satellite is planned for launch in 2028 to 2029 and will provide more accurate and customised forecasts.