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Bhaskar Jyoti Bags Contract for 1.3 MW Rooftop Solar Project from CMPDI

India Adds 1.2 GW of Rooftop Solar Capacity in Q1 2025, a 232% YoY Growth

MNRE, EU Trade Council Call for Proposals on Waste-to-Green Hydrogen Projects

Daily News Wrap-Up: SECI Announces 1.2 GW RTC Power Procurement Auction Winners

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MENA Weekly Roundup: Masdar Raises $1 Billion Through Green Bonds Issue

China’s Dominance in Critical Minerals Supply and Refining Continues: IEA

Project Finance Brief: Doral Renewables Secures $1.5 Billion for Solar Project


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					</table><p><span data-teams="true">Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam (<a href="https://www.guvnl.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GUVNL</a>) has issued a request for selection for procuring power from 500 MW solar projects on a build, own, operate basis (GUVNL Phase-XXVII). The tender includes a greenshoe option for an additional capacity of up to 500 MW without energy storage. </span></p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by June 13, 2025<strong>. </strong>Bids will be opened on June 18.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹928,000 (~$10,895)/MW, a tender document fee of ₹25,000 (~$293.50) plus 18% GST, and a tender processing fee of ₹300,000 (~$3,522) plus 18% GST.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must submit a performance bank guarantee of ₹2.32 million (~$27,237)/MW before signing the power purchase agreement (PPA). This guarantee will be valid for up to six months from the scheduled commencement of supply date (SCSD), with a claim period of up to seven months from this period.</p>
<p>The projects must be completed within 24 months from the signing of the 25-year PPA.</p>
<p>The scope of work encompasses the setup of the solar projects, including the electrical network up to the delivery point. It also includes obtaining the projects’ approvals, permits, and clearances.</p>
<p>The projects can be anywhere in India, with connectivity options to either the Central Transmission Utility (CTU) or Gujarat Energy Transmission Corporation substations. Projects located within Gujarat may opt for state transmission utility or CTU connectivity. Those outside Gujarat must be connected to the CTU or the interstate transmission system grid.</p>
<p>These solar projects must be grid-connected without energy storage. They can be located within existing wind projects.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must use commercially established and operational solar technologies, which can include crystalline silicon or thin film, with or without trackers.</p>
<p>The solar modules must be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers.</p>
<p>The  modules and power conditioners must adhere to the International Electrotechnical Commission/Bureau of Indian Standards requirements.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a net worth of ₹9.28 million (~$108,963)/ MW of the quoted capacity as of either March 31, 2025, December 31, 2024, or March 31, 2024.</p>
<p>Project commissioning delays of up to six months will attract liquidated damages of ₹2.32 million (~$27,237)/MW. Delays beyond this period will result in a reduction of the contracted capacity to the commissioned capacity within the SCSD period plus six months.</p>
<p>In January this year, GUVNL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/gujarat-standalone-bess-phase-vi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to set up 500 MW/1000 MWh standalone battery energy storage systems under tariff-based competitive bidding (Phase VI).</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> for timely updates on all solar tenders issued by various agencies in India.</p>


Gujarat Invites Bids to Purchase Power from 500 MW Solar Projects


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					</table><p>Contemporary Amperex Technology (<a href="https://www.catl.com/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CATL</a>), a China-based battery manufacturing company, has announced its listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s main board.</p>
<p>The listing’s global offering included 135 million shares before the greenshoe option for HKD263 (~$33.61) per share. CATL said this would make it the first A-share company to seek a secondary listing in Hong Kong with a price cap for the issuance.</p>
<p>The company’s initial public offering took 128 days to complete. It did not offer any share price discount. CATL’s stock opened at HKD296 (~$37.83) per share, a 12.55% increase from the offered price.</p>
<p>CATL said its offering attracted investors from 15 countries and regions. These investors included sovereign wealth funds, industrial capital, long-term institutions, insurance capital, and multi-strategy funds.</p>
<p>Outside of ESS solutions, CATL develops batteries for passenger vehicles such as cars and commercial applications such as buses, trucks, boats, and other industrial and commercial vehicles. It is also involved in battery recycling.</p>
<p>Recently, it introduced its standardized battery swap block and full-scenario chassis-swap solutions for heavy-duty trucks.</p>
<p>China continues to lead battery production, accounting for over 75% of the global supply. In 2024, the country’s battery prices <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/battery-demand-1-twh-2024-iea" target="_blank" rel="noopener">declined</a> more rapidly than anywhere else, dropping by nearly 30%. Chinese batteries were 30% cheaper than their European counterparts and 20% less expensive than those produced in North America.</p>
<p>An International Energy Agency report said that over 70% of all EV batteries are produced in China, and companies like CATL and BYD have leveraged manufacturing expertise to scale production rapidly and improve efficiency.</p>
<p>According to BloombergNEF’s fifth edition of the Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking, China <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/china-overtakes-canada-to-regain-top-spot-among-li-ion-supply-chain-countries" target="_blank" rel="noopener">overtook</a> Canada to return as the leading lithium-ion supply-chain country in 2024. Low commercial electricity prices and advancing infrastructure primarily drove China’s rankings. Despite diversifying efforts, the country continues to host a heavily concentrated refined supply of battery raw materials. Capacity additions across the manufacturing value chain are also centered in China.</p>


Battery Manufacturer CATL Lists on Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s Main Board


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					</table><p><a href="https://www.bridgeroof.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bridge and Roof Company</a> has issued a tender for the balance of system (BoS) package for a 100 MW solar project. The project is in Gujarat State Electricity Corporation’s (<a href="https://www.gsecl.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GSECL</a>) renewable energy park at Khavda (GSECL Stage-3).</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by June 11, 2025. Bids will be opened on June 12.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹7.97 million (~$91,446) and a tender document fee of ₹25,000 (~$293.50) plus 18% GST, totaling ₹29,500 (~$340.46).</p>
<p>The project&#8217;s estimated cost is ₹1.34 billion (~$15.73 million).</p>
<p>The scope of work entails the design, engineering, erection, testing, and commissioning of the project. It also includes providing three years of comprehensive operation and maintenance services.</p>
<p>The project must be commissioned within 240 days from the notice of award.</p>
<p>Commissioning delays will attract liquidated damages. For the first six months of delay, these damages will include 0.07% of the total contract price of the uncommissioned capacity/MW/day, plus applicable GST.</p>
<p>Delays beyond six months will attract damages adjusted against the amount due to the selected bidder or from the contract performance guarantee/retention money.</p>
<p>Bidders must have completed either three works worth at least ₹597.6 million (~$6.80 million), two works worth at least ₹747 million (~$8.77 million), or one work worth at least ₹1.19 billion (~$13,97 million).</p>
<p>Similar work involves the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of a solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) project.</p>
<p>Alternatively, it can be defined as the execution of any industrial project in solar energy or construction undertaken as a developer or EPC contractor for the government/public sector undertakings/public sector enterprises or private organizations.</p>
<p>Bidders must have an average annual turnover of ₹448.2 million (~$5.26 million) for the three financial years ending March 31, 2024. In the case of consortiums, one partner must meet this financial criterion.</p>
<p>Bidders must indicate the percentage of local content in their products while applying. Local content is defined as the value added in India. A Class-I local supplier’s product has a minimum local content of 50%. Class-II local suppliers have local content between 20% and 50%. A margin of purchase preference of 20% is applicable.</p>
<p>In March this year, Bridge and Roof Company <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bridge-and-roof-company-consultancy-tender-100-mw-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to select an agency for topographical survey, soil investigation reports, preparation of detailed progress reports, and initial layouts for a 100 MW solar project for SJVN Green Energy.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of real-time tender activity.</p>


Bridge and Roof Company Tenders BoS Package for 100 MW Solar Project


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					</table><p>Multi Infrastructure and Engineering (<a href="http://www.miepl.ind.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIEPL</a>) has won Central Electronics’ (<a href="https://www.celindia.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEL</a>) auction for setting up a 200 MW solar module manufacturing facility in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.</p>
<p>CEL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/central-electronics-invites-bids-for-200-mw-solar-module-plant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> the tender in April this year.</p>
<p>MEIPL must implement the project on a revenue-sharing model under the Make in India initiative.</p>
<p>The company said the proposed facility is expected to bolster the production of solar modules within the country, reduce import dependency, and contribute to India&#8217;s clean energy transition.</p>
<p>MEIPL is an engineering, procurement, and construction company working on railway general electrification, gas pipelines, water pipelines, and electrical substations and lines. It also conducts civil work for projects across India. The company has completed projects in 11 states.</p>
<p>In April this year, MIEPL had also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/multi-infrastructure-engineering-wins-secis-4-12-mw-solar-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> the Solar Energy Corporation of India’s auction to set up a cumulative 4.125 MW solar power project at IIT Kharagpur, West Bengal.</p>
<p>In February 2025, Central Electronics <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/central-electronics-issues-eoi-for-operating-40-mw-solar-module-plant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> expressions of interest to run an existing 40 MW automated solar module manufacturing plant in Uttar Pradesh. The scope of work covered manufacturing, operation, maintenance, marketing, and the sale of solar modules. The solar PV manufacturing facility has a storage facility for approximately 12 MW solar modules. The company has also installed multiple solar power projects, having a total capacity of around 1.5 MW.</p>
<p>India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/almm-strong-demand-drive-indias-solar-panel-manufacturing-capacity-to-25-3-gw-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> 25.3 GW of solar module capacity and 11.6 GW of solar cell capacity in 2024, according to Mercom’s State of Solar PV Manufacturing in India 2025 report. The capacity additions were driven by demand from the solar project pipeline and the reimposition of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers order from April 2024.</p>
<p>Gujarat was the most preferred location for installing solar manufacturing facilities, with 42% of the country’s module capacities located in the state. The state accounted for over 37% of India’s annual solar cell production capacity.</p>


Multi Infra Wins CEL’s Auction to Set Up 200 MW Solar Module Facility


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					</table><p>The <a href="https://delhi.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Delhi Government</a> has approved an additional subsidy of ₹30,000 (~$352.20) for installing 3 kW rooftop solar systems. This subsidy is in addition to the ₹78,000 (~$915.72) already provided by the Central Government under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. With this approval, the total support for 3kW rooftop solar systems now stands at ₹108,000 (~$1.267.92).</p>
<p>Delhi’s Chief Minister said such solar installations can save an average of ₹4,200 (~$49.31) per month.</p>
<p>According to Shripad Yesso Naik, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, approximately 3,476 households in Delhi have benefited from the PM Surya Ghar program, with a total capacity addition of roughly 10 MW as of March 26, 2025.</p>
<p>In the draft Delhi Solar Energy Policy, 2023, the Delhi government had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhis-draft-solar-policy-targets-mw-capacity-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offered</a> a state capital subsidy of ₹2,000 (~$23.48)/kW, up to ₹10,000 (~$117.40)/consumer.</p>
<p>The policy targeted 6,000 MW of installed solar capacity over the next three years and aimed to increase solar energy&#8217;s share in annual electricity consumption from 9% to 25% by 2025.</p>
<p>The Delhi government also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/free-electricity-programs-disincentive-for-rooftop-solar-adoption" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offers</a> free electricity for up to 200 units per household. This incentive program could deter households from installing rooftop solar systems because of the high upfront costs.</p>
<p>With the additional subsidy, the upfront installation cost of solar panels will come down significantly.</p>
<p>The additional subsidy aims to motivate more households to adopt solar power to support Delhi’s larger renewable energy and pollution reduction goals by lowering the initial cost barrier and emphasizing savings.</p>
<p>In March last year, the Delhi government <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-new-solar-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> plans to install 4,500 MW of solar capacity, including 750 MW of rooftop solar within the state by 2027 under the Solar Energy Policy.</p>
<p>Recently, the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-waives-fees-for-rooftop-solar-systems" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waived</a> application fees for feasibility analysis and registration charges for domestic consumers installing rooftop solar systems up to 10 kW under the PM Surya Ghar program.</p>


Delhi Approves ₹30,000 Additional Subsidy for Rooftop Solar Under PM Surya Ghar


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					</table><p>Mumbai-headquartered integrated solar module manufacturer <a href="https://www.renewsysworld.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RenewSys</a> has announced a significant expansion of its encapsulant manufacturing capacity by adding eight new production lines at its facility in Khopoli, Maharashtra. This development will increase the company’s total encapsulant production capacity to 30 GW.</p>
<p>Encapsulant is a protective layer for shielding solar cells from environmental damage.</p>
<p>Seven of the new encapsulant lines are operational, with four more expected to be commissioned within 2025. The company plans to operate 19 advanced encapsulant production lines across its facilities.</p>
<p>The company said the manufacturing capacity expansion addresses the increasing demand for high-performance encapsulants in the Indian and global solar markets.</p>
<p>The new production lines at Khopoli are designed to support RenewSys’ strategy of sustainably scaling up operations.</p>
<p>RenewSys said it plans to offer transparent backsheets and anti-acid encapsulants in addition to its established range of ethylene vinyl acetate, polyolefin elastomer, and ethylene propylene elastomer encapsulants.</p>
<p>RenewSys currently operates a solar module manufacturing capacity of 5.5 GW, encapsulant manufacturing capacity of 9 GW, and backsheet manufacturing capacity of 4 GW.</p>
<p>It is also installing a 2.5 GW high-efficiency solar cell line to integrate and expand its renewable energy component manufacturing portfolio.</p>
<p>RenewSys recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-adds-14670-mw-solar-module-capacity-under-almm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased</a> its solar module manufacturing capacity under the updated Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM). It grew its manufacturing capacity by 1,176 MW.</p>
<p>Indian solar ancillary component manufacturers had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/manufacturers-seek-almm-mandate-for-solar-components" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urged</a> the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy to mandate the use of India-made solar components, including encapsulants, in government projects to create a robust supply chain and reduce reliance on imports. It suggested an ALMM-type requirement solar components.</p>
<p>Besides encapsulants, these ancillary components include solar glass, copper conductors, aluminum frames, and junction boxes.</p>


RenewSys Expands Encapsulant Capacity to 30 GW with Khopoli Facility


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					</table><p><a href="https://lloyds.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lloyds Metals and Energy</a> has signed two power purchase agreements (PPAs) with <a href="https://www.hindujarenewables.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hinduja Renewables</a> for sourcing captive solar power. The first PPA is for 10.7 MW of solar power, and the second is for 50 MW.</p>
<p>A share subscription and shareholders&#8217; agreement were inked simultaneously between Lloyds Metals and Energy, Hinduja Renewables Energy, and HR Godavari. Under the agreement, Lloyds will subscribe to at least 26% of the total paid-up equity share capital of HR Godavari. This special-purpose vehicle was incorporated jointly with Hinduja Renewables.</p>
<p>The equity shares to be subscribed will be fully paid up, with a face value of ₹10 (~$0.12) each.</p>
<p>This equity subscription is being undertaken to ensure compliance with the requirements under the electricity rules for captive power projects. The agreement&#8217;s key terms include significant rights for Lloyds, such as pre-emptive rights to maintain its minimum shareholding in case of future share issuance.</p>
<p>Lloyds will also have affirmative voting rights on critical matters, including alteration of charter documents, changes in capital structure, initiation of liquidation or winding-up proceedings, mergers and acquisitions, reorganization, change in the company&#8217;s legal status, any amendments that could impact the captive status of the project, or abandonment of HR Godavari&#8217;s power supply business.</p>
<p>The Lloyds Metals Board had approved an investment to source 100 MW of solar power through the group captive route. In its annual report for the financial year 2024-25, the company noted that it plans to invest ₹450 million ($5.27 million) in renewable energy projects for captive consumption. With this investment, the company expects significant cost savings of up to ₹1 billion annually for its mining and pellet operations, with an investment payback period of less than five months and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 251%.</p>
<p>According to Mercom&#8217;s India Solar Open Access Market <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q4-2024-mercom-india-solar-open-access-market-report" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Report</a>, 6.9 GW of solar open access capacity was added in India, surpassing the annual capacity additions of all previous years. The demand has been driven by industries rushing to advance their clean energy adoption, and initiatives like green cement, responsible steel, among others.</p>


Lloyds Metals to Procure 61 MW Solar Power from Hinduja Renewables


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					</table><p>Power Grid Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.powergrid.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">POWERGRID</a>) has invited bids to set up a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 5 MW/20 MWh, co-located with an 85 MW solar project at Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.</p>
<p>Approximately 1,000 square meters of land has been identified for this system at Ujjain’s 85 MW Nagda solar project.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by June 16, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same date.</p>
<p>Bidders must submit a tender fee of ₹25,000 (~$292.47).</p>
<p>The scope of work entails the design, manufacture, transportation and insurance, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning of the BESS project. The project must include battery management systems, bidirectional inverters (power conditioning systems), fire protection systems, ventilation, air conditioning, illumination systems, and a cable trench.</p>
<p>It must also include the BESS’ energy management system with control and communication systems for monitoring and controlling the storage’s required parameters. Additionally, it must incorporate DC-DC coupler converters.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must also complete the project’s associated civil works.</p>
<p>They must design the BESS to operate for four hours and integrate it into the grid through the existing inverter duty transformer (IDT) via the bidirectional inverter and DC-DC coupler converters.</p>
<p>The storage system must have an average of one daily charging and discharging cycle. It must be charged using solar power and discharged to the grid through the existing IDT.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must maintain a minimum system availability of 95% for the project annually. They must also guarantee a DC to AC system efficiency of over 86% throughout the contract’s tenure.</p>
<p>The project must be designed for interconnection with the intra-state substation through the existing network of the 85 MW solar project, per the existing regulations in this regard.</p>
<p>Failure to provide the required system availability will attract liquidated damages. Damages for failure to ensure system efficiency will be ₹20 (~$0.23)/kWh of energy lost beyond what would have been lost if the efficiency was 86%.</p>
<p>The bidders are advised to visit the 85 MW solar project at Nagda and familiarize themselves with the topography, infrastructure, and the design philosophy.</p>
<p>Bidders must have supplied a minimum storage capacity of 10 MWh for stationary grid applications in any of the last three years. This capacity must have been provided using the same technology and batteries offered in the bids.</p>
<p>Recently, POWERGRID <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/smart-roof-solar-gourav-energen-win-powergirds-3-mw-rooftop-solar-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">selected</a> Smart Roof Solar Solutions and Gourav EnerGen India as winners of its auction to implement 3 MW of rooftop solar systems on its buildings in India’s western regions under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.</p>


POWERGRID Invites Bids for 5 MW/20 MWh BESS in Madhya Pradesh


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					</table><p>Religious institutions across India are increasingly adopting solar power to meet their energy needs sustainably. For many ashrams, temples, and monasteries—often located in remote or semi-urban areas with unreliable grid access—solar energy provides a practical, eco-friendly, and cost-effective alternative.</p>
<p><a href="https://rkmjoyrambati.org/ramakrishna-yogashrama" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ramakrishna Yogashrama</a>, a spiritual and academic center located in Bengaluru’s outskirts, has successfully implemented a multi-faceted solar energy strategy to overcome chronic power outages and voltage fluctuations due to its location at the tail end of a transformer line.</p>
<p>The ashram has implemented multiple rooftop solar installations to ensure uninterrupted energy supply across its four functional zones: the sanctum sanctorum, the student residence, the cowshed, and the community kitchen.</p>
<p>The spiritual center installed a 5 kW solar system to serve the sanctum sanctorum. This system features Enphase IQ8 series microinverters and IQ Battery 5P in an AC-coupled configuration. Its key loads include two smart classrooms, the temple lighting and fans, and a kitchen with two refrigerators.</p>
<p>M S Sunil, CEO of <a href="https://www.hinren.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hinren Engineering</a>, which executed the installations, stated, “The hybrid system is designed to handle high daytime demand while insulating the ashram from grid disturbances.”</p>
<p>This system, fully commissioned in March 2025, also supports net metering, enabling the ashram to export excess energy to the grid and reducing the electricity bill from approximately ₹3,700 (~$43.44) to ₹800 (~$9.39) per month.</p>
<p>The student residence section, which includes two dormitories, a faculty hall, and a small computer room, was equipped with a 4.2 kW hybrid solar system in December 2023. The system is built around a Studer hybrid inverter and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries supplied by Nunam, which specializes in second-life battery technology.</p>
<p>This installation powers essential loads such as lights, fans, and computers. The hybrid design ensures continuity of power during outages.</p>
<p>In the ashram’s cowshed, a 2.4 kW off-grid solar system is currently being installed to support ventilation and lighting for four cattle and their caretakers. The system comprises a 2.6 kW Studer hybrid inverter and five Li-ion batteries. Unlike other grid-interactive systems on the campus, this setup operates independently from the utility supply and provides power throughout the day and night.</p>
<p>The fully off-grid system ensures adequate cooling via fans during the summer.</p>
<p>Ramakrishna Yogashrama’s combined capacity of solar installations at its campus stands at 15.6 kW, distributed across hybrid and off-grid systems, with more capacity being added.</p>
<p>In April this year, Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple in Delhi <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttara-guruvayurappan-temple-rooftop-solar-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">installed</a> an 80 kW grid-connected rooftop solar system at the shrine.</p>
<p>In the same month, Ohms Energy, a Mumbai-based solar engineering, procurement, and construction company, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/religious-institutions-are-cutting-electricity-costs-with-solar-installations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deployed</a> solar power systems across religious institutions in India to help them reduce electricity costs and promote environmental sustainability.</p>


Solar Systems Reduce Power Costs at Ramakrishna Yogashrama in Bengaluru


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					</table><p>India added over 28 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2024, bringing the total to around 210 GW. However, to reach its 2030 target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel energy and ensure a smoother energy transition, battery energy storage systems must complement renewables by addressing their intermittency.</p>
<p>In this exclusive interview with Mercom India, Satish Reddy, Founder and CEO of Hyderabad-based <a href="https://xbattery.energy/">XBattery</a>, a manufacturer of lithium-ion battery packs to help homes, businesses, electric vehicles, and grids store energy, provides his thoughts on India’s energy storage ecosystem.</p>
<p><strong>Can you give us a brief overview of Xbattery’s products and services?</strong></p>
<p>Xbattery is building India’s first high-voltage Battery Management System (BMS) along with lithium-ion battery packs specifically designed for India’s environment and demanding conditions. BharatBMS, the flagship product, supports an 800v architecture compared to the market average of 72v, making it suitable for large-scale energy storage and high-end EV applications. Xbattery also manufactures modular battery packs of 5 kWh (home/SME) and 50 kWh (industrial/commercial) capacities, providing critical power backup, a ten-year lifespan, and extreme heat resistance from -30°C to 60°C.</p>
<p>Xbattery has already secured significant orders, including a ₹36 million (~$426,297)  deal with solar and real estate developers, validating our market traction. Xbattery is in talks with multiple auto OEMS and BESS system integrators about integrating BharatBMS into their battery packs.</p>
<p><strong>For a typical Indian household, how long can a 5 kWh battery provide backup power? What is the current market price for a residential battery of this size?</strong></p>
<p>A typical Indian home can expect 12-24 hours of backup from a 5-kWh lithium battery pack powered by BharatBMS, which is significantly better than conventional lead-acid UPS solutions, depending on appliance load.</p>
<p>Moreover, we offer backup for heavy appliances like ACs and lifts and can recharge in two hours, unlike 12 hours for lead-acid batteries. Systems of these specifications cost between ₹115,000 (~$1,362) and ₹150,000 (~$1,776) in the market, but due to Xbattery’s localized supply chains and technology, we have 10% lower costs than imports and up to 70% total cost of ownership savings in comparison to lead acid systems.</p>
<p><strong>What are the ideal commercial applications for your 50 kWh battery? What size businesses can it support, and what is its price range?</strong></p>
<p>Xbattery’s 50 kWh battery is engineered for critical commercial and industrial settings such as hospitals, apartment complexes, manufacturing units, and commercial buildings requiring reliable, high-power backup. With instant switching and the ability to run heavy-duty equipment, it can seamlessly replace or supplement diesel generators. It also acts as a critical building block in the large-scale BESS deployments. Our system’s 800v platform and digital twin-based analytics ensure operational resilience, safety, and remote monitoring.</p>
<p>Target users include facilities with high uptime requirements or sensitive equipment needing a continuous, uninterrupted power supply. The price is approximately ₹1 million (~$11,868). The modular architecture is scalable, supporting series and parallel setups for larger energy storage needs.</p>
<p><strong>How do you assess the current state of the battery energy storage landscape in India?</strong></p>
<p>India’s battery energy storage market is driven by rising demand for grid resilience and increased use of renewables to generate electricity, requiring efficient energy storage solutions. While the sector is projected to reach $10 billion across behind-the-meter and grid-scale applications by 2030, there’s still heavy reliance on imported components, especially Battery Management Systems from China.</p>
<p>Domestic players, including Xbattery, are bridging the gap with indigenous innovation and development, offering advanced and locally built BMS and battery packs optimized for Indian conditions. With orders secured and increasing government focus on R&amp;D, the landscape is maturing, but a technology gap persists in core electronics and system integration. Policy support for startups, streamlined certification, and talent development will be critical for self-reliance.</p>
<p><strong>Where do you see the greater opportunity—in behind-the-meter (BTM) solutions or grid-scale storage? How is Xbattery preparing to address this opportunity?</strong></p>
<p>Both segments are expanding rapidly, but immediate opportunities lie in BTM storage. Residential, SME, commercial, and industrial consumers facing unreliable grid supply and depending on diesel are accelerating BTM adoption. Xbattery’s modular BMS and battery packs target these needs with scalable, high-performance solutions. As grid-scale front-of-meter policies evolve, we pilot 50 kWh systems with public sector undertakings (PSU) and plan a roadmap for larger deployments. Our software-driven platform ensures future readiness for integration with renewables, virtual power plants, and grid services, positioning us for leadership as India’s storage ecosystem matures.</p>
<p><strong>The Ministry of Heavy Industries recently mandated the domestic production of key EV components like Battery Management Systems, PCB assemblies, semiconductor integration, and firmware flashing. Does the Indian industry have the capability and capacity to meet this mandate?</strong></p>
<p>India is making steady progress in PCB fabrication, assembly, and IC development, but advanced BMS and semiconductor integration remain bottlenecks. Most established players still import high-voltage BMS or rely on repurposed Western systems.</p>
<p>Broader industry readiness will require deeper R&amp;D investment, state-backed testing labs, and upskilling. With proper support, India can build a robust supply chain and global competitiveness in battery electronics.</p>
<p><strong>India continues to rely on imports from countries like China and the U.S. for critical battery components. Could the uncertainty surrounding U.S. energy policy under the Trump administration affect the stability of these imports?</strong></p>
<p>Absolutely. India’s continued reliance on imports for core battery tech, especially from China, which supplies over 75% of global BMS, creates real supply chain uncertainties and vulnerabilities. As of today, there is no direct impact; however, such dependencies risk project delays and price volatility, as seen during the 2020–21 COVID supply chain shocks. This reinforces the urgency for indigenous manufacturing and local value addition, which would insulate us from surprise tariff shocks.</p>
<p><strong>How is Xbattery aligning with India’s focus on boosting domestic manufacturing and reducing dependency on Chinese technology?</strong></p>
<p>Xbattery’s BharatBMS is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. With most of our electronics being locally produced, there is a significant reduction of costs, elimination of uncertainty from tariffs, and global logistics and supply chain dependencies. We work closely with auto OEMs, solar integrators, and PSUs to build a resilient supply chain. Security is also a top priority, and all operational data stays within India, addressing rising concerns about data privacy. By promoting and funding local R&amp;D, manufacturing, and partnerships, we’re actively reducing excessive national reliance on imported Chinese technology.</p>
<p><strong>Do you believe the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for battery storage has been successful in achieving its objectives?</strong></p>
<p>The PLI program has boosted investment in battery assembly and gigafactories. However, more is needed at the deep-tech R&amp;D level, especially in BMS and advanced power electronics. Most funded projects still rely on imported technology. Locally developed solutions demonstrate the importance and impact of targeted R&amp;D towards indigenous innovation at par with global best practices, but industry-wide adoption will require faster certification, further government support, expanded R&amp;D grants, and more lucrative incentives. For long-term self-reliance, the policy must prioritize not just cell assembly but also the indigenization of cell manufacturing, electronics, and software, which are the real value chain drivers in battery storage systems.</p>
<p><strong>What additional policy measures would you recommend to strengthen India’s battery energy storage ecosystem?</strong></p>
<p>India should double down on R&amp;D funding for BMS, cell engineering, and power electronics. It should also create national battery testing and certification hubs and launch skilling initiatives in battery technology and analytics. Policy should incentivize end-to-end localization, right from sourcing raw materials to finished packs, while supporting deep-tech startups through grants and low-interest loans. Accelerating standardization and ensuring data security can also make India a global leader in battery innovation.</p>


India Must Step Up R&D Funding and Policy Push for Battery Storage: Interview


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					</table><p>The Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (<a href="https://www.aptel.gov.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APTEL</a>) has partially set aside a Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://cercind.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CERC</a>) order, clarifying that <a href="https://ntpc.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NTPC</a> cannot be held responsible for sealing meters under solar power purchase agreements.</p>
<p>It ruled that this responsibility lies with the generating companies or transmission/distribution licensees.</p>
<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>Under the National Solar Mission, the State Specific Bundling Scheme was launched to promote grid-connected solar power projects. The appellant, NTPC, was appointed as the implementation agency for this program. It was tasked with facilitating the development of solar projects and acting as an intermediary trader.</p>
<p>As a part of this role, the appellant procured power from solar project developers and sold it to state distribution companies (DISCOMs). Among the projects under this program was a 50 MW solar project developed by Prayatna Developers (PDPL).</p>
<p>The contractual arrangements included key state utilities such as Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation (UPPTCL), Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL), and Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam (DVVNL). The appellant was to act as the intermediary between PDPL and the state DISCOMs.</p>
<p>The appellant signed a power sale agreement (PSA) with UPPCL on March 15, 2016. On May 18, 2016, a power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed between the appellant and PDPL to purchase 50 MW of solar power, split into five units of 10 MW each.</p>
<p>PDPL’s solar projects were ready for commissioning well before the scheduled commissioning date (SCoD), and the developer sent multiple communications to NTPC, requesting coordination for sealing the project’s 33 kV ABT meters, which was a prerequisite for commissioning.</p>
<p>However, the meters were finally sealed only on June 5, 2017, by DVVNL, and the project was commissioned after the original SCoD. This delay led to a dispute regarding the responsibility for the delay and the deduction of liquidated damages.</p>
<p>The parties approached CERC to solve the dispute.</p>
<p>CERC held that NTPC was a &#8220;buyer&#8221; under the CEA Metering Regulations, 2006. The central regulator stated that NTPC had an obligation under the PPA to ensure timely meter sealing and was, therefore, partly responsible for the delay in commissioning. It directed NTPC to refund the liquidated damages deducted from PDPL.</p>
<p>Challenging CERC&#8217;s order, the appellant approached APTEL, submitting that it functioned purely as an intermediary trader under the PSA and PPA.</p>
<p>It argued that as a trader under the Electricity Act, 2003, it had no legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations concerning infrastructure or metering and was not responsible for coordinating or ensuring the sealing of meters at project sites.</p>
<p><strong>Tribunal’s Analysis</strong></p>
<p>APTEL observed that trading involves the purchase of electricity for resale, and a trading licensee such as the appellant does not maintain any physical assets or systems to receive power. Therefore, the appellant cannot be deemed a buyer responsible for operational obligations such as meter sealing.</p>
<p>The Tribunal held that sealing meters involves the generator (PDPL) and the licensees (UPPTCL, UPPCL, DVVNL). It modified CERC&#8217;s order, removing the parts that fixed the meter sealing responsibility and the delay in project commissioning on the appellant.</p>
<p>Recently, APTEL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/aptel-overturns-karnataka-regulators-order-on-solar-project-dispute" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set</a> aside the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission’s order rejecting a petition by Hero Future Energies requesting a power purchase agreement execution date extension.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s real-time <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/mercoms-renewable-energy-regulatory-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Regulatory Updates</a> to ensure you don’t miss any critical updates from the renewable industry.</p>


APTEL Rules NTPC Not Responsible for Meter Sealing in Solar Project


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					</table><p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (<a href="https://mnre.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MNRE</a>) has clarified that net billing, and virtual and group net metering will also be treated on a par with net metering provisions under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II.</p>
<p>List-II <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/list-ii-for-solar-cells-into-force-from-june-2026" target="_blank" rel="noopener">applies</a> to solar cells which will be brought under the ambit of ALMM from June 2026. The inclusion of solar cells in ALMM addresses the growing domestic production capacity. Until now, only solar modules have been covered in the ALMM.</p>
<p>The Ministry said virtual and group net metering are models of net metering covering a group of different consumers of the same category or the same consumer with over one service connection. It also said that net billing is a net and gross metering hybrid.</p>
<p>This clarification comes after stakeholders wanted to know whether the exemption from using solar cells in ALMM List-II, provided to net metering and open access renewable power projects commissioned before June 1, 2026, will also apply to net billing and virtual and group net metering programs.</p>
<p>In 2022, MNRE exempted behind-the-meter solar projects solely used for captive consumption by a consumer or group of consumers. This exemption does not apply to behind-the-meter connections for captive consumption by government entities or public sector enterprises, since government projects were covered under ALMM from the beginning.</p>
<p>Recently, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-issues-clarifications-on-enlisting-solar-cells-in-almm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified</a> that it would treat potential induced degradation (PID) and non-PID cells as different products or families and enlist them separately. It also said that the produced cells’ data for efficiencies or wattages will be collected during the ALMM inspection. The data will be used to calculate the average efficiency, and the same will be enlisted.</p>
<p>In April this year, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-adds-14670-mw-solar-module-capacity-under-almm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">updated</a> the ALMM by adding 14,670 MW of solar module manufacturing capacity. The cumulative module manufacturing capacity reached 88,905 MW after the latest additions.</p>


MNRE Clarifies Net Billing and Metering Provisions Under ALMM


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					</table><p>China has overtaken Canada to return as the leading Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) supply-chain country in 2024, according to BloombergNEF’s (<a href="https://about.bnef.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BNEF</a>) fifth edition of the Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking.</p>
<p>The rankings cover 30 countries’ capability to build a secure, reliable, and sustainable Li-ion supply chain.</p>
<p>The U.S. has moved one spot up to reach joint-second with Canada. India is in 14<sup>th</sup> position, progressing from 16<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/China-Li-ion-article-image-for-uploading.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-79655 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/China-Li-ion-article-image-for-uploading.png" alt="China Li-ion" width="595" height="637" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/China-Li-ion-article-image-for-uploading.png 595w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/China-Li-ion-article-image-for-uploading-280x300.png 280w" sizes="(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px" /></a></p>
<p><strong>China</strong></p>
<p>China had lost the first spot for the first time in the rankings’ previous edition. While acknowledging China’s supply chain as the strongest, BNEF had said the region must be more proactive in tackling the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues to benefit its supply chain in the long term.</p>
<p>This time, low commercial electricity prices and advancing infrastructure primarily drove China’s rise in the rankings. Additionally, the country continues to host the heavily concentrated refined supply of battery raw materials despite diversifying efforts. Capacity additions across the manufacturing value chain are also centered in China.</p>
<p><strong>Canada</strong></p>
<p>In the previous report, Canada had improved its rankings because of its consistent manufacturing and production advances and strong ESG credentials. Close integration with the U.S. automotive sector also helped the country because of the ‘friendshoring’ goals of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Coming second this time, Canada faced slow Li-ion battery manufacturing scaling despite its considerable raw materials availability and stable investment environment.</p>
<p>The country performed well in the rankings’ supply chain categories. It announced additional governmental support for local supply chains. However, many companies, including E-One Moli, Ford, and Umicore, paused their Canada investments due to slower-than-expected demand.</p>
<p><strong>United States</strong></p>
<p>The U.S. climbed a spot to share the second rank with Canada, benefiting from the IRA in 2024. However, President Donald Trump’s tariff policies and rollback of the country’s climate goals risk undoing its advancements. These decisions are expected to reduce domestic demand and increase costs for U.S.-based manufacturers by moving investments to other regions.</p>
<p>Recently, the U.S. House Ways &amp; Means Committee</p>
<p><strong>Japan and South Korea</strong></p>
<p>Established markets such as Japan and South Korea rose in rankings during the year, moving into the top ten. These nations were early movers in the battery supply chain segment, enabling them to maintain and improve their performance and navigate the challenging market conditions.</p>
<p>BNEF said newer players outside the APAC 1 region, which includes China, Japan, and South Korea, often face challenges while scaling up.</p>
<p><strong>Emerging Markets</strong></p>
<p>Some emerging markets improved their performance as well. Ellie Gomes-Callus, Metals and Mining Associate, BloombergNEF, said that countries such as Brazil and Indonesia grew the most in the report’s rankings. Ambitious policy roadmaps and rising demand drove this growth. “However, all eyes will be on the U.S. this year as it awaits the impact of the Trump administration’s trade policies,” added Gomes-Callus.</p>
<p><strong>Europe</strong></p>
<p>Europe’s battery supply chain potential exhibited indicators of decline. The continent’s battery manufacturing growth is not keeping pace with other regions, and its demand scores are weakening. The demand scores suffered due to small market sizes and market saturation, resulting in Eastern European and Nordic countries being overtaken.</p>
<p>Only two European countries featured in the rankings, Türkiye and the Czech Republic, improved their performance. Five nations maintained their positions, while two of the rankings’ largest declines were from European countries — Hungary and Finland. These countries dropped seven and six spots to rank 21<sup>st</sup> and 11<sup>th</sup>, respectively.</p>
<p>Hungary, the second-last in Europe, experienced declining performance in social and governmental metrics. Finland’s performance declined because of its complicated permitting processes and stagnant cobalt and nickel industries, with permitting-related issues holding up chemical company BASF’s battery component plant in Harjavalta, Finland.</p>
<p>The region risks falling behind some emerging markets without renewed momentum and targeted intervention to address barriers such as high operational costs and permitting issues.</p>
<p>According to a report by SolarPower Europe, the region’s battery energy storage market growth <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/europes-battery-storage-market-grew-15-in-2024-but-trails-2030-targets" target="_blank" rel="noopener">slowed</a> year-over-year in 2024 despite growing 15%.</p>
<p>BNEF’s latest report said the global battery industry experienced oversupply last year, reducing profit margins and stoking trade tensions. The supply of raw materials increased despite such challenges. However, refined battery metal market trends are more mixed than mined metal trends.</p>
<p>In December last year, BNEF <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/lithium-ion-battery-historic-low-price" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> that Li-ion battery pack prices dropped 20% from 2023 to a record low of $115/kWh, the most significant annual decline since 2017. The price decrease was driven by factors such as overcapacity in cell manufacturing, economies of scale, lower metal and component costs, the adoption of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries, and slower growth in electric vehicle sales.</p>


China Overtakes Canada to Regain Top Spot Among Li-ion Supply Chain Countries


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					</table><p>REC Power Development and Consultancy (<a href="https://www.recpdcl.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">RECPDCL</a>) has invited bids to establish an interstate transmission system (ISTS) in Davanagere and Chitradurga, Karnataka, to integrate renewable energy generation. The project will be executed on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis.</p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by July 18, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has identified a renewable energy potential of 4 GW in Davanagere/ Chitradurga. The transmission system for integrating 2 GW of renewable energy is already under implementation. Connectivity of about 1,850 MW has been granted/agreed for grant at Davanagere PS with the transmission system.</p>
<p>Additionally, applications for connectivity of about 1,325 MW have been received at Davanagare PS. In light of this, additional system strengthening at Davanagare is required to grant connectivity.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish a document fee of ₹500,000 (~$5,870) plus GST and a bid bond of ₹78 million (~$915,720).</p>
<p>Successful bidders must submit a performance guarantee of ₹195 million (~$2.29 million).</p>
<p>Selected bidders must install four 500 MVA, 400/220 kV ICTs (5th-8th) at Davanagere pooling station (PS), along with associated 400 kV and 220 kV ICT bays. They must also augment Davanagere/Chitradurga PS with one 1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICT, complete with its 765 kV and 400 kV ICT bays.</p>
<p>Two 220 kV line bays will also be added at Davanagere/Chitradurga PS to terminate dedicated transmission lines from renewable energy generation projects.</p>
<p>The scheduled commercial operation date (COD) for the 765/400 kV, 1&#215;1500 MVA ICTS augmentation is 24 months.</p>
<p>The scope of work also includes the engineering, procurement, construction, financing, and commissioning of the ISTS. Additionally, it involves providing operation and maintenance (O&amp;M) services for 35 years from COD.</p>
<p>After the O&amp;M period, all project assets, including the substation land, right of way, and clearances, will be transferred to the Central Transmission Utility or its successors at zero cost and free from encumbrance.</p>
<p>Bidders must have completed projects worth at least ₹5 billion (~$11.74 million) in the last five years. Each project must have had a minimum value of ₹1 billion (~$58.7 million). Alternatively, construction payments received for these projects must have exceeded ₹5 billion (~$ 11.74 million) in the same period.</p>
<p>Bidders must have a minimum net worth of ₹2.5 billion (~$29.35 million) in any of the last three years, with no negative net worth reported in those years.</p>
<p>Recently, RECPDCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/recpdcl-tenders-intrastate-transmission-line-for-400-kv-substation-in-karnataka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> proposals to set up an intrastate transmission system to establish a 400 kV substation and associated transmission lines in Karnataka’s Belagavi district on a build, own, operate basis.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of tender activity in real-time.</p>


RECPDCL Invites Bids for Transmission System Augmentation in Karnataka


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					</table><p>ReNew Energy Global (<a href="https://www.renew.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ReNew</a>), a decarbonization solutions company, has announced it will invest approximately ₹220 billion (~$2.5 billion) to set up a hybrid renewable energy project in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh.</p>
<p>The project would have a capacity of roughly 2.8 GW, including 1.8 GW of solar and 1 GW of wind capacity. It will also include a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of 1.8 GW.</p>
<p>ReNew claims this project will be one of the country’s largest renewable energy complexes at a single location.</p>
<p>In the first phase, it will implement 587 MW of solar energy, 250 MW of wind, and 415 MW of BESS capacity. ReNew has already signed the power purchase agreements for these capacities and will develop the remaining capacity in later phases.</p>
<p>With the BESS component, the project targets supplying power for up to four (non-renewable energy-generating) hours daily. The company said this supply will assist offtakers with peak demand management and enable renewable energy to be more firm and dispatchable.</p>
<p>ReNew said it will use advanced solar tracking systems to maximize solar generation. It will also use waterless robotic cleaning for the project’s solar panels to save water.  The project will incorporate 100% domestically produced solar panels from its manufacturing units in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and Dholera, Gujarat.</p>
<p>In Andhra Pradesh, ReNew’s portfolio includes 60 MW of solar and 717 MW of operational wind capacity across ten sites. As of February 14, 2025, its gross clean energy portfolio stood at approximately 17 GW.</p>
<p>Recently, ReNew <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/renew-secures-%E2%82%B98-7-billion-from-british-international-investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> an investment of ₹8.7 billion (~$100 million) from British International Investment, a UK-based development finance institution and impact investor. The funding will be utilized primarily to construct a 4 GW Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact cell facility in Dholera.</p>
<p>In December last year, ReNew <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/renew-sell-300-mw-solar-project-anzen" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary, ReNew Sun Waves, which operates a 300 MW solar project in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, to Anzen India Energy Yield Plus Trust. The deal was for $176 million.</p>


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