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

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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)…

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Vistra connects solar projects in Illinois

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Vistra has connected two new utility-scale solar projects in Illinois to the grid as part of efforts to amend the retirement schedule for its 1,185 MW Baldwin Power Plant.  Originally set to retire in 2025, the plant will now operate until 2027, complying with federal Environmental Protection Agency retirement and pond closure requirements. The Baldwin site recently saw the addition of a 68 MW utility-scale solar facility and a 2 MW/8 MWh energy storage system,…

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Montenegro plans coal plant shutdown by 2041

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Montenegro aims to shut down the Pljevlja coal power plant by 2041 as part of its draft National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).  The plan was submitted by the Ministry of Energy to the Energy Community Secretariat for review. Minister of Energy Saša Mujović stated that achieving the NECP goals would require EUR 1.1 billion, posing a significant financial burden. Given this, Montenegro is requesting a revision of its 2030 climate and energy targets to…

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CVC DIF sells 169 MW Uruguayan wind farm portfolio to Pluspetrol

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CVC DIF has sold its 169 MW portfolio of Uruguayan wind farm projects, comprising the Cerro Grande and Peralta wind farms, to Pluspetrol for an undisclosed amount.  The transaction, executed by DIF Infrastructure V and DIF Infrastructure VI, marks Pluspetrol’s entry into the renewable energy sector. The portfolio, featuring 72 Enercon E-92 turbines, is the second-largest private renewable asset portfolio in Uruguay.  The wind farms, located in the Tacuarembó and Cerro Largo departments, provide sustainable…

Power Sector News Roundup for December 6, 2024

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Global: Spain to build largest pumped storage hydro power plant in Europe Philippines and UAE sign MoU for energy transition cooperation Estonia to host electronic auction for offshore wind farm in Saare 1 area India: Synergy Green signs supply agreement with Envision Energy for wind turbine castings DMR Hydroengineering & Fitchner GmbH JV empanelled as consultant for THDCIL’s pumped storage projects India Power emerges as lowest bidder for NTPC Dadri thermal energy storage project Teems…

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Philippines and UAE sign MoU for energy transition cooperation

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The Governments of the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in energy transition.  The agreement focuses on key areas such as renewable energy, liquefied natural gas, nuclear energy, power infrastructure, and emerging technologies. An implementation agreement with a UAE state-owned firm is expected in January 2025, advancing renewable and alternative energy projects.  This MoU follows a similar agreement signed in October 2024 with Saudi…

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Shell reduces offshore wind investments, restructures power division

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Shell is scaling back its offshore wind investments and restructuring its power division following a comprehensive review.  This shift aligns with CEO Wael Sawan’s strategy to focus on high-return activities, particularly in oil, gas, and biofuels, while reducing costs in low-carbon and renewable sectors. A Shell spokesperson confirmed that the company will not lead new offshore wind developments but remains interested in offtakes with acceptable commercial terms and may consider equity positions in compelling investment…

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NTPC explores global partnerships to develop small modular reactors in India

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NTPC is in discussions with global nuclear technology leaders EDF (France), Rosatom (Russia), and Westinghouse Electric Corporation (US) to build small modular reactors (SMRs) in India.  These factory-built reactors, with capacities of up to 300 MW, are being planned for locations unsuitable for larger nuclear plants and will support India’s target of achieving 20 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2030, up from the current 7.48 GW. Aligned with India’s broader goal of 500 GW…

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ABB India: Driving sustainability and industrial growth in power automation

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  ABB India Limited has been operating in power and automation technology for over a century. Headquartered in Bengaluru, it has 25 plants across five main campuses in Bengaluru, Vadodara, Faridabad, Nashik, and Pune. The company operates through four major business areas: Electrification, Motion, Process Automation, and Robotics & Discrete Automation. In the Electrification segment, ABB provides advanced MV & LV switchgear, distribution boards, and digital power solutions. The Motion segment supplies energy-efficient motors and…

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Acciona to build 225 MW solar plant for Kallpa Generación in Peru

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Acciona has announced plans to construct a 225 MW photovoltaic plant in La Joya, Arequipa, Peru, for the electricity company Kallpa Generación.  Spanning 549 hectares, the project will feature 371,040 high-performance bifacial solar panels with advanced technology. The solar farm is expected to generate 611 GWh of clean energy annually, enough to power 547,000 households and reduce CO₂ emissions by 215,000 tonnes each year. The plant will connect to the Peruvian power grid via the…