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Power Ministry updates contract rules, invites experts for hydro dispute resolution

On June 16, 2025, the Ministry of Power issued amendments to its 2021 guidelines on the Model Contract Provision for “Dispute Avoidance Mechanism” in hydro power projects. This mechanism involves appointing Independent Engineers (IEs) to resolve disagreements between Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and contractors at an early stage. The updated provisions revise payment terms. A retainer fee of Rs 100,000 per month has been fixed for FY 2025–26, with a 10% annual increment. IEs…

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Union Power Minister urges water cess waiver in J&K

Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Manohar Lal, reviewed the power and urban development sector in Jammu & Kashmir during his visit to Srinagar. He urged the Union Territory (UT) to consider waiving the water cess on hydro projects to lower electricity costs for consumers. The Union Minister inaugurated several transmission infrastructure upgrades, including: 132/33 kV Grid Station, Awantipora – Capacity increased from 145 MVA to 175 MVA Grid Station, Wanpoh…

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NHPC invites E&M bids for Uri-I Stage II; Panari PSP bids also open

NHPC Limited invited bids on June 7, 2025, for the Lot-III package of electro-mechanical (E&M) works for the Uri-I Stage II Hydro Electric Project. The last date for submission is July 25, 2025. The Lot-III package is expected to be completed in 1,158 days and has an estimated cost of Rs 4,854 million. The Uri-I Stage II project will be developed in the Baramulla district of Jammu & Kashmir, covering the Uri, Boniyar, Kreeri, Baramulla,…

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Adani Green forms new subsidiary for RE projects

Adani Saur Urja (KA) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL), has incorporated a new entity—Adani Hydro Energy Ten Limited (AHE10L). The new company will support AGEL’s growing renewable energy portfolio across India. AHE10L has been set up to undertake the generation, development, transformation, distribution, transmission, and sale of power from renewable energy sources. These include wind, solar, and other non-fossil fuel-based technologies. The move aligns with Adani Green’s strategy to…

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Can your river power your home? A practical guide to small-scale hydro systems

  Solar panels are common in off-grid setups, but they do not work well in cloudy, shaded, or seasonal conditions. If your land has a nearby stream or river, small-scale hydro power may be a reliable alternative. This guide explains how to assess your site and choose the right hydro system. Hydro power can offer continuous output where water flow is steady. But it is not as simple as placing a turbine in the water….

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Afcones Infratech wins GCP survey contract for three hydro projects in Arunachal

Afcones Infratech Private Limited has secured a contract worth Rs 0.82 million for survey-related work for three hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh. The contract involves establishing ground control points (GCPs), connecting the GCP network, and validating the topographical survey with a contour plan map using Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) coordinates. The three projects are the 420 MW Amulin Hydro Electric Project, the 500 MW Emini Hydro Power Project, and the 400 MW Mihundon Hydro Electric…

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Arunachal forms JV with NEEPCO for 2.6 GW hydro projects, CEA invites EOIs

The Cabinet of Arunachal Pradesh has approved the formation of NEEPCO Arunachal Hydro Power Corporation, a joint venture between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh (GoAP) and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO). The JV will implement five hydro electric projects (HEPs) with a combined capacity of 2,626 MW in the state. The approved projects are: 1,000 MW Naying Hydro Electric Project 700 MW Tato-II Hydro Electric Project 500 MW Hirong Hydro Electric Power Project…

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Himachal Pradesh Cabinet approves takeover of five hydro projects

The Himachal Pradesh Cabinet has approved the takeover of five hydro electric projects (HEPs) from SJVN Limited and NHPC Limited.  Three of the projects were previously allotted to SJVN. These include: Luhri Hydro Electric Project Stage I Located near Nirath village, this project involves a concrete gravity dam, 86 meters high, across the Satluj river. It has an installed capacity of 210 megawatts (MW) and an estimated cost of Rs 18.10 billion. Sunni Dam Hydro…

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Mercados Energy wins consultancy contract for APDCL power procurement

Mercados Energy Markets India Private Limited has secured a Rs 2.8 million contract to provide consultancy and regulatory support services to Assam Power Distribution Company Limited (APDCL) for the procurement of 500 MW long-term hydro power. APDCL invited bids for the consultancy in October 2024. The project will be executed through a tariff-based competitive bidding (TBCB) process.

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JV secures consultancy contract for Hanol Tiuni hydro project

The joint venture of Convolution Engineering Consultancy LLP and Hydro Consult Engineering Limited has won a Rs 9.85 million contract to provide consultancy services and prepare a comprehensive, bankable Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Hanol Tiuni Large Hydro Electric Project.  Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Limited (UJVN) invited bids for the same in April 2024. The project, with a planned capacity of 62 MW, is located on the Tons River in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. The…