Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Status

Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Status

By

​​The Ministry of Power (MoP) issued the “Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure – 2024” on September 17, 2024. These guidelines aim to standardise and promote the development of EV charging infrastructure across India. The electric vehicle (EV) charging stations require no license under the Electricity Act, 2003. These guidelines aim to create an accessible, affordable, and efficient nationwide EV charging network in both urban and rural areas. Recent highlights include…

|

CEA clears 7.5 GW of hydro pumped storage DPRs in 2024–25

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has approved Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for six hydro pumped storage projects (PSPs) totaling about 7.5 GW. These approvals were issued in record time during 2024–25, reflecting a focused effort to expand long-term energy storage infrastructure. The cleared projects include: Upper Indravati (600 MW) in Odisha  Sharavathy (2,000 MW) in Karnataka Bhivpuri (1,000 MW) in Maharashtra Bhavali (1,500 MW) in Maharashtra MP-30 (1,920 MW) in Madhya Pradesh Chitravathi (500 MW)…

|

CEA rolls out STELLAR tool to support power planning across states

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has launched STELLAR, a fully indigenous power planning software. The tool helps in planning generation, transmission, and storage while factoring in demand response. It will be shared free of cost with all states and distribution companies (Discoms). STELLAR stands for State of the Art Totally Indigenously Developed Resource Adequacy Model. It supports states in preparing Resource Adequacy plans as per the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power in June…

|

CEA clarifies energy storage mandate for solar projects

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has confirmed that the recently announced requirement to co-locate energy storage systems (ESS) with solar power plants will apply only to future tenders. Ongoing and past projects, including schemes like the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, will continue under their existing rules without any new ESS obligations. Earlier, the Ministry of Power had issued an advisory recommending that all renewable energy implementing agencies include a minimum 2-hour ESS, equivalent…

|

CEA releases guidelines for standardization and interoperability of AMI systems

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued new guidelines aimed at standardizing and ensuring interoperability within Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems.  The guidelines, titled “Guidelines for Standardization and Interoperability in AMI Systems for End-to-End Communication between Smart Meter, HES and MDM,” focus on creating unified communication protocols for smart meters, Head-End Systems (HES), and Meter Data Management Systems (MDMS). Key aspects of the guidelines include: A unified HES with standardized interfaces for seamless interoperability with…

|

CEA recommends higher-capacity OPGW to support broadband expansion

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has advised the adoption of higher-capacity optical ground wire (OPGW) in upcoming power transmission projects to facilitate telecom service providers.  The recommendation follows a collaboration between the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Union Power Ministry. CEA has proposed the use of 48-fibre (48F) OPGW, replacing the current standard of 24-fibre (24F) OPGW, in all future power transmission schemes. This recommendation has been communicated to the Central Transmission Utility (CTU),…

|

Transmission and transformation capacity additions exceed targets in FY25

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) reports that transmission and transformation capacity additions in the first seven months (April-October) of FY25 have surpassed planned targets. This marks the first instance of exceeding the target in FY25. A total of 4,337 circuit kilometres (ckm) of transmission lines were added, 10% higher than the planned 4,762 ckm. Similarly, 33,265 MVA of substation capacity was achieved, surpassing the target of 30,780 MVA by 8%. Central government utilities, led by…

|

CEA proposes new guidelines for type-testing periodicity of power equipment

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released new draft guidelines on the periodicity of type tests for major equipment across the power value chain.  A key proposal is to exempt transformers from repeating short-circuit tests solely due to changes in bushing or on-load tap changers (OLTC), provided these components have equal or superior ratings and have successfully passed type tests per IS/IEC standards. The guidelines, titled “Guidelines for the Periodicity of Type Tests for Major…

|

CEA plans RE-based transmission of 613 GW by 2032

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has outlined a comprehensive plan to build transmission capacity for 613 GW of renewable energy by 2032. In its latest ‘National Electricity Plan,’ the CEA projects that India’s non-fossil fuel capacity will reach 653 GW by 2031-32. This includes 385 GW from solar (with 60 GW from rooftop solar), 165 GW from wind, 62.8 GW from hydro, 19.6 GW from nuclear, 15.5 GW from biomass, and 5.4 GW from small…

|

CEA concludes Brainstorming Conclave on Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047

By

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) concluded its two-day Brainstorming Conclave on the ‘Indian Power Sector Scenario 2047’ in New Delhi on October 14-15, 2024. The event, attended by over 1,500 delegates, featured discussions on expanding hydropower, integrating energy storage systems, modernizing distribution networks, and fostering cross-border energy cooperation. Key dignitaries, including Union Power Minister Manohar Lal, emphasized India’s strategy to meet growing energy needs while transitioning to cleaner sources. The conclave also focused on capacity…