India’s power grid met a record peak electricity demand of 270.8 GW at 3:45 PM on May 21, 2026. However, a new analysis by Sanjeev Sanyal and Satvik Dev of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) argues that the day’s significance extends beyond the record demand, highlighting that grid flexibility has become…
A committee constituted by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has found that operating thermal power plants at 55% minimum technical load (MTL) with conservative ramping rates does not result in significant damage to generating units. The report, based on multiple meetings held between July and October 2025, also recorded NTPC’s reluctance to participate in mandated…
THDC India Limited (THDCIL) has commenced commercial operation of the first unit (250 MW) of the 1,000 MW Tehri Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) in Uttarakhand. This marks India’s first variable speed PSP and the largest such project undertaken by a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). The plant comprises four reversible pump turbine units…
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced $15 million in funding for nine projects designed to boost hydropower’s role in stabilizing the grid amid rising renewable energy adoption. Hydropower, currently contributing 27% of U.S. renewable electricity, offers critical flexibility for balancing supply and demand. Notable projects include: Hydropower-Hydrogen Integration: DRG Technical Solutions will produce…
Wärtsilä has secured a contract to provide a 150 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) with a 300 MWh capacity for Amp Energy in South Australia. The Bungama BESS project, currently in its initial phase, aims to strengthen energy security and reliability as the state increasingly relies on renewable energy. The system will utilize Wärtsilä’s…