House Passes Senate’s Version of Budget Bill Without Changes

Patel Infrastructure, Enerica Win SJVN’s 1.5 GWh Battery Energy Storage Auction

Hazoor Multi Projects Secures EPC Contract for 200 MW Solar Project at Khavda

Tamil Nadu Hikes FY 2026 Electricity Tariffs by 3.16%

Serentica Floats EoI for Land for 5 GW Solar Projects in Rajasthan

GCF Approves $200 Million for ADB’s India Clean Energy Program

IEX Green Energy Market Jumps 30% YoY in June  

Daily News Wrap-Up: Delhi Metro Invites Bids for 5 MW Rooftop Solar Projects

Bajel Projects Wins Renewable Energy Transmission EPC Order

$1.2 Trillion Needed for Battery Storage to Support Renewables by 2034: Report


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81558.mp3?version=1751649032">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><a href="http://patelinfra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Patel Infrastructure</a> and Enerica Infra 3 (<a href="https://www.energrid.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EnerGrid</a>) won <a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN</a>’s auction to develop 375 MW/1,500 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) in Uttar Pradesh under the build-own-operate model.</p>
<p>Patel won 187.5 MW/750 MWh at a tariff of ₹359,000 (~$4,199)/MW/month. Enerica also bagged 187.5 MW/750 MWh at a tariff of ₹359,999 (~$4,211)/MW/month.</p>
<p>The tender was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/sjvn-invites-bids-for-375-mw-1500-mwh-standalone-bess-in-uttar-pradesh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> in February this year.</p>
<p>The BESS will be eligible for Viability Gap Funding (VGF) support of up to ₹2.7 million (~$31,598)/MWh or 30% of the capital cost, whichever is lower.</p>
<p>Developers must design, finance, engineer, procure, construct, operate, and maintain the BESS project. They must ensure compliance with grid standards, safety norms, and performance benchmarks. Bidders must have prior experience in battery storage.</p>
<p>They must also ensure that the BESS is available for one operational cycle of four hours daily, maintain a minimum monthly system availability of 95%, and guarantee an AC-to-AC round-trip efficiency of 85% every month.</p>
<p>Developers must employ commercially established and operational technologies that are compliant with the guidelines specified in codes and standards to minimize technology risks.</p>
<p>They must commission the projects within 18 months of signing the battery energy storage purchase agreement.</p>
<p>SJVN will enter into a 20-year battery energy storage purchase agreement with the selected developers.</p>
<p>The interconnection point is specified at the Uttar Pradesh Power Transmission Corporation’s 400kV/220kV Garautha Substation in Jhansi District, with power being injected into the state transmission utility network. Developers must obtain connectivity approval.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Power recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-54-billion-vgf-battery-storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the second tranche of VGF to support BESS development. Under this tranche, a VGF of ₹1.8 million (~$21,065)/MWh will be provided to support the development of 30 GWh of BESS capacity.</p>
<p>The Central Electricity Authority estimates the need to deploy 37 GWh BESS capacity by 2027. This requirement is expected to increase to 236 GWh by 2031-2032.</p>
<p>In March 2025, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-enhances-bess-capacity-target/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> all states and implementing agencies to award all BESS contracts by June 2025, enabling the VGF program to be completed by May 2027.</p>



					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81522.mp3?version=1751610439">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><a href="https://bajelprojects.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bajel Projects</a> has secured an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) order for package TL04 of the Siwani-Jind (PG) 400 kV double-circuit (quad) transmission line from Power Grid Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.powergrid.in" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PGCIL</a>).</p>
<p>The order’s value is between ₹3 billion (~$34.88 million) and ₹4 billion (~$46.51 million).</p>
<p>The EPC order is part of the transmission projects <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pgcil-bags-projects-to-evacuate-12-gw-of-renewable-energy-from-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> by PGCIL from REC Power Development and Consultancy in October 2024 to evacuate a cumulative 12 GW of power from the Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) Phase-IV in Rajasthan. The company bagged the tenders for two transmission projects of 6 GW each in the state’s Bikaner complex.</p>
<p>PGCIL placed the order on behalf of its special purpose vehicle, POWERGRID Siwani Transmission.</p>
<p>The scope of work entails setting up the new 765/400 kV Siwani substation. It also includes providing the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>A static synchronous compensator</li>
<li>A 765 kV DC transmission line traversing Rajasthan and Haryana</li>
<li>Various 400 kV DC transmission lines traversing through Haryana</li>
</ul>
<p>Bajel Projects must conduct bay extension works for the transmission lines at other existing substations in Rajasthan and Haryana. It must also construct a 400 kV transmission line spanning approximately 99 km.</p>
<p>The project must be completed within 18 months.</p>
<p>Bajel Projects has four business verticals – power transmission, distribution, monopoles, and international EPC. It has executed high-voltage and extra high-voltage transmission projects and substations.</p>
<p>In February this year, PGCIL <a title="https://www.mercomindia.com/pgcil-wins-two-transmission-projects-in-karnataka-and-rajasthan" href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pgcil-wins-two-transmission-projects-in-karnataka-and-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bagged</a> two transmission projects from PFC Consulting to evacuate 15.5 GW of power from renewable energy zones in Karnataka and Rajasthan. The transmission project in Rajasthan involved augmenting interconnection transformers at various substations to facilitate the evacuation of power from the REZ Phase-IV. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy identified 75 GW of renewable energy potential in the state for evacuation.</p>
<p>Last December, PGCIL was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pgcil-bags-project-to-strengthen-transmission-system-in-karnataka" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded </a>PFC Consulting’s interstate transmission system strengthening project to evacuate renewable energy from Gadag and Koppal regions in Karnataka.</p>



					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81518.mp3?version=1751604168">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Nearly $1.2 trillion must be invested globally in battery energy storage systems (BESS) to support the installation of over 5,900 GW of new wind and solar capacity through 2034, according to <a href="https://www.woodmac.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wood Mackenzie</a>.</p>
<p>The deployment of grid-forming technology needs to accelerate over the next decade to facilitate the projected $5 trillion global expansion of renewable energy.</p>
<p>Unlike conventional grid-following systems that only react to existing grid conditions, grid-forming BESS can actively generate and sustain grid stability. This function is becoming increasingly vital as renewable energy becomes the primary source of power generation worldwide.</p>
<p>Grid-forming battery energy storage represents a significant advancement in integrating renewable energy. With global electricity demand expected to rise by 55% by 2034 and variable renewables making up over 80% of new capacity, this technology offers a key solution for balancing renewable energy supply with grid reliability.</p>
<p>The global power sector is facing a shortfall of 1,400 GW in battery energy storage capacity equipped with grid-forming technology, which is essential for maintaining grid stability between 2024 and 2034.</p>
<p>In several Asia-Pacific countries, wind and solar power already contribute between 46% and 90% of electricity during peak demand, highlighting a significant market opportunity as grid-forming solutions become increasingly important in regions with high renewable energy penetration.</p>
<p>Wood Mackenzie said that although the pace of renewable energy integration is gaining momentum worldwide, recent incidents of grid instability underscore the need to advance both storage and grid technologies simultaneously. The 2025 blackout in Spain serves as a clear example of the risks associated with high levels of renewable power without the necessary grid-forming capabilities or advanced storage systems to maintain system reliability.</p>
<p>Grid-forming battery energy storage systems offer several key stability functions. These include acting as independent voltage sources, providing strong current support during disturbances, delivering inertia-like response comparable to traditional power plants, and enabling black start capabilities for full system recovery after outages.</p>
<p>While grid-forming capabilities add an estimated 15% to overall system costs, largely due to upgraded inverters, controls, and software, these cost hurdles are becoming more manageable as average battery energy storage prices have declined across global markets in the past year.</p>
<p>In 2024, battery prices <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/24-hour-uninterrupted-solar-power-with-battery-storage-is-real-ember/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dropped</a> 40%, reaching a record low of $165/kWh for a fully integrated system (excluding engineering, construction, procurement, and grid connection costs). Driven by the rising demand and falling costs, global energy storage capacity additions are <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/global-energy-storage-market-remains-resilient-amid-us-and-china-policy-changes" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expected</a> to grow by 35% in 2025 to 94 GW or 247 GWh.</p>
<p>The economic case for advanced battery storage systems is growing stronger in markets worldwide. Hybrid utility-scale solar projects paired with battery energy storage are already matching or beating the cost of onshore wind, and forecasts suggest that large-scale battery systems will become more affordable than coal and gas power generation by 2040 in many regions outside the U.S.</p>
<p>The U.S. <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-energy-storage-hits-new-q1-record-with-over-2-gw-installed/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> more than 2 GW of energy storage systems across all segments in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, marking the highest Q1 on record. Utility-scale energy storage added 1,558 MW, while residential energy storage accounted for 458 MW.</p>
<p>Regulatory momentum is also building in support of grid-forming battery technology. Countries such as China, the U.S., and Australia have begun rolling out detailed technical guidelines to enable their deployment. These efforts reflect a growing understanding of the role grid-forming batteries can play in maintaining stability as solar, wind, and storage account for a larger share of electricity generation. Although international standards are still evolving, early regulatory developments show a clear shift toward favoring advanced grid-forming capabilities.</p>
<p>In the Asia-Pacific region, markets such as China, India, Japan, and Vietnam are already meeting a significant portion of their peak demand through renewable energy, with supply levels ranging from 46% to 92%. This variability is contributing to increased curtailment, emphasizing the need for technologies that can ensure grid stability while maximizing the use of renewable energy.</p>
<p>With global electricity demand expected to rise at an average annual rate of 3% through 2040, according to Wood Mackenzie, grid-forming batteries are emerging as a viable alternative to traditional synchronous generators. Their ability to maintain voltage and frequency is making them a critical component of future power systems dominated by renewable energy.</p>



					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81509.mp3?version=1751634309">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The International Finance Corporation (<a href="https://www.ifc.org/en/home" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IFC</a>) and Mumbai-based power transmission and renewable energy company <a href="https://www.indigrid.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IndiGrid</a> have announced a partnership to develop a 180 MW/360 MWh standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) project in Gujarat.</p>
<p>The partnership aims to strengthen Gujarat’s clean energy infrastructure by enhancing grid stability and ensuring a reliable power supply during periods of peak demand.</p>
<p>IFC has committed ₹4.6 billion (~$53.49 million) in long-term financing to IndiGrid through a subscription to listed non-convertible debentures. This commitment includes approximately $38.5 million from IFC’s account and $16.5 million in concessional support from the Clean Technology Fund, a multi-donor trust fund under the World Bank-hosted Climate Investment Funds framework.</p>
<p>The investment was made during the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Since 2023, IFC has provided an aggregate debt line of ₹32.5 billion (~$377.91 million) to IndiGrid.</p>
<p>Imad N. Fakhoury, Regional Director for South Asia, IFC, stated that the investment supports Gujarat’s target of achieving 100 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.</p>
<p>IndiGrid manages projects worth over ₹319 billion (~$3.71 billion), including 43 power projects, 53 transmission lines, 16 substations, approximately 1.15 GW of solar generation capacity, and 450 MW/900 MWh of BESS. The Kilokari BESS project was awarded to IndiGrid in October 2023 by BSES Rajdhani Power.</p>
<p>In June this year, IndiGrid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indigrid-to-acquire-solar-and-transmission-assets-from-renew-for-%E2%82%B921-billion" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it would acquire ReNew Surya Aayan and Koppal–Narendra Transmission for a total enterprise value of ₹21.08 billion (~$245.12 million). IndiGrid will acquire 100% shareholding and management control of both companies.</p>
<p>In April this year, Indigrid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indigrid-commissions-indias-first-bess-project-for-discoms-in-delhi" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commissioned</a> India’s first commercial standalone BESS project with a 20MW/40MWh capacity at the distribution company level, and a tariff approved by the electricity regulatory authority.</p>
<p>Last year, IndiGrid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/nvvn-1-gwh-battery-storage-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam’s auction to set up a 500 MW/1000 MWh standalone BESS with Viability Gap Funding support. IndiGrid 2 was awarded 250 MW at a tariff of ₹236,999 (~$2,819)/MW/month.</p>


IFC, IndiGrid to Develop 180 MW/360 MWh Standalone BESS Project in Gujarat


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81502.mp3?version=1751536772">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>Mumbai-based <a href="https://www.cleanmax.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CleanMax</a> and Toyota Tsusho India (<a href="https://www.ttipl.co.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TTIPL</a>) have formed a new entity to develop 300 MW of renewable energy projects by March 2028, to address the clean energy needs of Japanese corporations in India.</p>
<p>The joint venture aims to accelerate renewable energy development and facilitate a nationwide sustainable transition to green energy. It will facilitate clean energy adoption through long-term corporate power purchase agreements tailored for Japanese corporations.</p>
<p>The new entity will provide a range of customized green energy solutions, including rooftop solar installations, ground-mounted solar and wind projects, wind-solar hybrid systems, and carbon credits.</p>
<p>CleanMax provides renewable energy and net-zero solutions for India’s commercial and industrial sector. As of March 31, 2025, it had 2.2 GW of functioning, owned, and managed capacity of renewable assets across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.</p>
<p>Toyota Tsusho has a presence in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region with over 4 GW of renewable energy assets.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, the Japan Bank for International Cooperation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cleanmax-osaka-gas-form-jv-to-develop-renewable-energy-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a shareholders’ agreement with Osaka Gas to invest in a joint venture between the Japanese gas company and Clean Max Enviro Energy Solutions.</p>
<p>In February this year, global e-commerce company Amazon <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/amazon-to-procure-379-mw-power-from-three-wind-projects-in-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the procurement of power from CleanMax’s 100 MW wind project in Koppal.</p>
<p>Earlier, CleanMax <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/clean-max-wind-solar-project-concord-biotech" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> an agreement to supply power from its 6.6 MW wind and 3.3 MW solar projects for Concord Biotech’s facility at Dholka, Gujarat. Concord would procure the power in captive mode for which it acquired a 26% stake in one of CleanMax’s special purpose vehicles.</p>
<p>Last November, digital infrastructure company Equinix <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cleanmax-to-supply-33-mw-of-renewable-energy-to-equinixs-data-centers-in-mumbai" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> its power procurement under a captive arrangement from 33 MW renewable energy projects to be set up by CleanMax to power its data centers in India. The captive power projects to be developed in Maharashtra comprised 26.4 MW of solar and 6.6 MW of wind power.</p>


CleanMax, Toyota Tsusho to Develop 300 MW of Renewable Energy Projects


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81462.mp3?version=1751464746">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><a href="https://hartek.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hartek Group</a>, an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) company, has secured a contract worth ₹1.38 billion (~$16.05 million) from the Power Grid Corporation of India (<a href="https://www.powergrid.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PGCIL</a>) to develop a 400 kV air-insulated substation (AIS).</p>
<p>In February this year, PGCIL had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pgcil-wins-two-transmission-projects-in-karnataka-and-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> the transmission project from <a href="https://www.pfcclindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PFC Consulting</a>. This substation is part of the transmission program to integrate renewable energy zones in Davanagere, Chitradurga, and Ballari districts of Karnataka. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has identified 17 GW of renewable energy potential in Karnataka.</p>
<p>The scope of work under this contract includes the design, engineering, procurement, construction, testing at the manufacturer’s works, supply, unloading, storage, erection, testing, and commissioning of the 400 kV AIS. The project will be delivered on a turnkey basis.</p>
<p>Hartek said that once completed, the substation will facilitate the seamless transmission of green electricity across the region, enhance grid stability, reduce transmission losses, and lower the overall cost of clean energy for end-users.</p>
<p>The company added that it has connected over 10 GW of solar power to the national grid and installed 200 MW of rooftop solar capacity across the country.</p>
<p>In May this year, Hartek Group <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/leading-solar-epc-companies-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">emerged</a> as one of the top utility-scale solar engineering, procurement, and construction service providers in 2024, according to Mercom’s recently released India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025 Report.</p>
<p>It bagged an EPC contract to develop a 300 MW ground-mount solar project in Rajasthan, valued at ₹4.7 billion (~$55.3 million) in 2024.</p>
<p>In January, Hartek Group’s commercial and industrial rooftop solar business <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/hartek-wins-epc-contract-for-8-mw-rooftop-solar-project-in-jk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> a solar EPC contract from Kandhari Beverages for an 8 MW rooftop solar installation project in Jammu and Kashmir.</p>
<p>In February 2024, Hartek <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/hartek-power-secures-solar-project-from-sjvn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> an order from SJVN Green Energy to develop, implement, and maintain a 75 MW grid-connected solar power project and a 132 kV substation in Jamui, Bihar.</p>


Hartek Bags ₹1.38 Billion Substation Contract from PGCIL in Karnataka


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81441.mp3?version=1751521606">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><a href="http://www.barbrikindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barbrik Projects</a>, <a href="https://saatvikgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Saatvik Green Energy</a>, <a href="https://www.kundangreenenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kundan Green Energy</a>, <a href="https://prostarm.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prostarm Info Systems</a>, Hindustan Thermal Project (<a href="https://hindustanpower.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hindustan Power</a>), and <a href="https://groupsurya.co.in/suryam-international.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suryam International</a> have won the Bihar State Power Generation Company’s (<a href="http://bspgcl.bihar.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BSPGCL</a>) auction to set up standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) of a cumulative capacity of 125 MW/500 MWh.</p>
<p>Prostarm Info Systems won 30 MW/120 MWh, Barbrik Projects 37.5 MW/150 MWh, Suryam International 10 MW/40 MWh, Kundan Green Energy 10 MW/40 MWh, Hindustan Thermal Project 30 MW/120 MWh, and Saatvik Green 7.5 MW/30 MWh. All projects were secured at a tariff of ₹444,000 (~$5,180.26)/MW/month.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/auction-table-1.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-81449 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/auction-table-1.png" alt="" width="554" height="308" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/auction-table-1.png 554w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/auction-table-1-300x167.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 554px) 100vw, 554px" /></a></p>
<p>The tender was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bihar-tenders-125mw-500-mwh-standalone-bess" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> in March 2025.</p>
<p>Bidders could apply for a minimum of 5 MW/20 MWh and a maximum capacity of 125 MW/500 MWh.</p>
<p>The selected bidders will receive viability gap funding (VGF) for the projects, amounting to ₹2.7 million (~$ 31,501.58)/MWh or 30% of the project&#8217;s capital cost, whichever is lower.</p>
<p>They must make the energy storage facility available to the state transmission utility (STU) for charging and discharging on an “on-demand” basis. The BESS must be connected to the grid at a minimum voltage level of 33 kV. The scope of work also includes interconnecting the storage system with the STU/grid network.</p>
<p>The BESS will be charged by drawing power and discharged by injecting it into the transmission network per the dispatch instructions issued by the state load dispatch center in consultation with the distribution companies.</p>
<p>The selected bidders must use commercially established and operational technologies to minimize technology risks and achieve timely project commissioning.</p>
<p>In June 2025, BSPGCL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bihar-issues-tender-for-10-mw-floating-solar-project-at-durgawati-dam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for the development of a 10 MW grid-connected floating solar project over the reservoir of Durgawati Dam, in the state’s Kaimur/Rohtas district.</p>
<p>In the same month, the Ministry of Power <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/government-54-billion-vgf-battery-storage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the second tranche of VGF to support BESS development. Under this tranche, a VGF of ₹1.8 million (~$21,043)/MWh will be provided to support the development of 30 GWh of BESS capacity.</p>


Prostarm, Hindustan Power, Barbrik Among Winners in Bihar’s 500 MWh BESS Auction


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81431.mp3?version=1751438730">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>SJVN Green Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of <a href="https://sjvn.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SJVN</a>, has issued an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) tender for setting up 951 MW of solar projects across Maharashtra under the Mukhyamantri Saur Krushi Vahini Yojana 2.0 program, aligned with the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Component C.</p>
<p>The 74 projects will be set up in three districts: Pune, Ahmednagar, and Solapur.</p>
<p><a href="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-81432 size-full" src="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image.png" alt="SJVN tender" width="640" height="243" srcset="https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image.png 640w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image-300x114.png 300w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image-624x237.png 624w, https://mercomindia.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SJVN-tender-image-600x228.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></a></p>
<p>Bids must be submitted by July 22, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day.</p>
<p>Bidders must furnish an earnest money deposit of ₹1.12 million (~$13,023)/MW and a bid document fee of ₹5,000 (~$58) plus 18% GST, totaling ₹5,900 (~$69).</p>
<p>The scope of work encompasses the design, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the solar projects. It also entails providing operations and maintenance services for three years.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must identify and acquire the project land. They must also develop the evacuation infrastructure up to the interconnection point and install a supervisory control and data acquisition-based monitoring system.</p>
<p>Only modules from the Approved List of Modules and Manufacturing must be used.</p>
<p>Bidders must have designed, supplied, erected, supervised the erection, and commissioned solar projects with a cumulative capacity of at least 30 MW in India. One of these projects must have had a minimum capacity of 10 MW. These projects must have been operational for at least three months.</p>
<p>Alternatively, they must have implemented projects worth ₹16.8 million (~$195,349)/MW in the power, steel, oil and gas, petrochemical, fertilizer, cement, coal mining, including coal handling, infrastructure development, and/or any other process industry as a developer or EPC contractor.</p>
<p>They must have also set up an electrical substation of at least 33 kV rating as a developer or an EPC contractor. The substation must have consisted of equipment such as 33 kV or above voltage level circuit breakers and a power transformer.</p>
<p>The solar projects and the substation must have been operational for at least six months.</p>
<p>Bidders must have an average annual turnover of ₹16.8 million (~$195,349)/MW in the last three financial years and a positive net worth for the past two years.</p>
<p>Bidders can be joint ventures and consortiums, with a maximum of two members. The lead partner must have at least 50% participation, and the other partner must have at least 20%. They may collectively meet the technical criteria. The financial eligibility will be assessed proportionally.</p>
<p>In February this year, SJVN Green Energy <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/sjvn-invites-bids-for-25-mw-green-hydrogen-project-in-assam" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for consultancy services to develop a comprehensive roadmap, prepare a detailed project report, and draft a tender document to set up a 25 MW green hydrogen project in Assam.</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>


SJVN Green Floats EPC Tender for 951 MW Solar Projects in Maharashtra


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81398.mp3?version=1751375097">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://aperc.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">APERC</a>) has issued the draft “Planning, Procurement, Deployment, and Utilisation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)” Regulations, 2025.</p>
<p>Stakeholders must submit their comments before July 21, 2025.</p>
<p>The regulations aim to enable BESS deployment and utilization as part of generation, transmission, and distribution assets. They also promote cost-effective energy storage solutions that support grid stability, frequency management, and renewable energy integration.</p>
<p>According to the regulations, energy storage systems (ESS) can be utilized independently. Alternatively, they can be utilized as a part of the generation, transmission, or distribution system, or by integrating the consumer’s load with renewable sources co-located behind the meter.</p>
<p>ESS can be developed, owned, leased, or operated by a generating company, a transmission licensee, a distribution licensee, a consumer, a system operator, or an independent energy storage service provider.</p>
<p>It can have the same legal status as that of the owner if it is not co-located with a generating station, distribution licensee, or consumer, but rather owned and operated by them.</p>
<p>The reverse power flow from lower to higher voltage at various substations must be the criterion for finalizing the BESS locations in the distribution system or transmission system by distribution licensees.</p>
<p>The minimum individual project size must have a minimum power rating of 1 MW, with a suitable energy rating of at least four hours, based on the application at a single site.</p>
<p>Distribution licensees can also set up BESS at the distribution transformer level to store the power from the ‘step response time’ locally. The 1 MW condition would not apply in such cases.</p>
<p>Under the regulations, BESS can provide frequency regulation (primary, secondary, tertiary), spinning and non-spinning reserves, voltage support, and black start services.</p>
<p>Market-linked BESS services will be compensated based on market-clearing prices in the ancillary services market or under other mechanisms approved by the Commission.</p>
<p><strong>Compliance with Standards</strong></p>
<p>BESS installations must conform to technical standards specified by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and other relevant authorities.</p>
<p>Cybersecurity and communication protocols must adhere to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the CEA, and the Ministry of Power guidelines.</p>
<p><strong>Role of Aggregators, Distribution Licensees, and Nodal Agency</strong></p>
<p>Aggregators are entities registered or appointed by the distribution licensee to provide the aggregation of one or more services within a control area. These services can include demand response under the demand response mechanism, distributed generation, and energy storage,  among others.</p>
<p>They will aggregate BESS resources from multiple sites to provide services to the grid or market participants.</p>
<p>Aggregators will also register with the state load dispatch centers (SLDCs) and obtain approval from them following the notified eligibility conditions.</p>
<p>The regulations mandate cost recovery for licensee-owned BESS assets through tariffs determined by the Commission based on prudent investment norms. For procurement from BESS service providers, the Commission will adopt tariffs determined under competitive bidding.</p>
<p>Distribution licensees must publish potential sites at the 11 kV voltage level in their 33/11 kV substations for establishing BESS with the required capacities based on the feeder level solarisation and smart remote terminal installations in the feeder purview. This data must be updated annually.</p>
<p>The Transmission Corporation of Andhra Pradesh will develop the standard agreement template for procuring ancillary services and seek the Commission’s approval before signing any agreements.</p>
<p>The nodal agency (Andhra Pradesh State Load Despatch Centre) will verify the governor settings of all generators regarding their automatic primary response to changes in the system frequency.</p>
<p>It will estimate the requirement of ‘secondary reserve ancillary service’ and ‘tertiary reserve ancillary service’ for each distribution company (DISCOM) area for the specified period, using an appropriate methodology, and publish the same on its website.</p>
<p>The SLDC will prepare a procedure for scheduling, metering, accounting, mechanisms for remuneration, settlement, and verification of ancillary service provision for approval by the Commission within one month of the regulation’s publication date.</p>
<p>It will monitor state of charge, round-trip efficiency, availability, response time, and aggregated performance metrics.</p>
<p>Consumers and prosumers not covered under net-metering/billing may establish behind-the-meter BESS along with solar projects without requiring permission from the concerned DISCOMs.</p>
<p>However, all such systems must comply with the CEA’s technical standard for connectivity regulations.</p>
<p>The APERC Green Energy Open Access Charges and Banking Regulation, 2024, will govern the open access and charges.</p>
<p>The state <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/andhra-pradesh-energy-access-rules-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> the Green Energy Open Access, Charges, and Banking Regulations in 2024, granting open access for electricity generated from renewable energy sources for utilization within the state, involving intrastate transmission systems and/or distribution systems of licensed entities.</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 stay informed about critical updates from the renewable industry.</p>


Andhra Pradesh Commission Releases Draft BESS Regulations


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81390.mp3?version=1751434063">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Ministry of Renewable Energy (<a href="https://mnre.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MNRE</a>) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) by adding 742 MW of solar module manufacturing capacity.</p>
<p>The cumulative solar module manufacturing capacity under ALMM has now reached 91,458 MW after the latest additions.</p>
<p>Nithin Sai Renewables <span data-teams="true">(<a href="https://navgrun.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Navgrun</a>)</span> (473 MW) and <a href="https://worldoneenergies.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Worldone Energies</a> (164 MW) are the new entries to the list, adding a cumulative 637 MW.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.orbenergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orb Energy</a> and <a href="https://swelectes.com/shpv/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Swelect HHV Solar</a> increased their capacities by 1 MW and 104 MW, respectively.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.jakson.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Jakson Engineers</a>, <a href="https://pahalsolar.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pahal Solar</a>, and <a href="https://www.tpsolarltd.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TP Solar</a> reduced their manufacturing capacities. Jakson’s revised capacity is 1,124 MW, Pahal&#8217;s is 264 MW, and TP Solar’s is 187 MW.</p>
<p>The total number of module manufacturers has now increased to 107.</p>
<p>In June this year, MNRE <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/almm-authorized-solar-module-manufacturing-capacity-rises-by-2-98-gw">updated </a>the ALMM by adding 2,988 MW of solar module manufacturing capacity.</p>
<p>In May, MNRE <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-clarifies-net-billing-and-metering-provisions-under-almm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified</a> that net billing, virtual, and group net metering will be treated on a par with net metering provisions under the ALMM List-II. Virtual and group net metering are models of net metering that cover a group of consumers of the same category or a single consumer with multiple service connections.</p>
<p>In the same month, MNRE <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-issues-clarifications-on-enlisting-solar-cells-in-almm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> clarifications on solar cell enlistment in the ALMM. It stated that it would treat potential induced degradation (PID) and non-PID cells as different products or families and list them separately.</p>
<p>Jinko Solar, Waaree Energies, LONGi Green Energy Technology, Trina Solar, and Adani Solar were the top solar module suppliers in 2024, according to Mercom’s recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/jinko-waaree-longi-trina-adani-lead-solar-module-supply-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> India Solar Market Leaderboard 2025.</p>
<p>The demand for solar modules in India has been growing, driven by the unprecedented number of solar project installations – 25.2 GW in 2024- and India’s goal to install 280 GW of solar energy by 2030.</p>
<p>Jinko Solar was the leading supplier in 2024, accounting for 15.7% of the modules shipped to India.</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.</p>


Solar Module Manufacturing Capacity Under ALMM Grows to 91.5 GW


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81366.mp3?version=1751348403">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (<a href="https://cercind.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CERC</a>) has permitted special purpose vehicles (SPVs) or subsidiaries of renewable energy companies to submit land and financial closure documents in place of their parent companies for the grant of connectivity and general network access.</p>
<p>The decision will be effective until the third amendment to the Connectivity and General Network Access (GNA) to ISTS Regulations, 2022, is formally notified.</p>
<p><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p>The petitions were filed by Oyster Renewable Energy (<a href="https://www.oysterrenewable.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OREPL</a>) and Avaada Energy (<a href="https://avaada.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AEPL</a>), along with their SPVs, Oyster Green Hybrid One (OGHOPL) and Avaada MPSustainable2 (AMSPL), respectively, for approval of their land documents.</p>
<p>The Central Transmission Utility of India (<a href="https://www.ctuil.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CTUIL</a>) granted final connectivity to both parent companies in April 2024. However, when the SPVs submitted land documents between March and April 2025, CTUIL rejected them because Regulation 11A required such documents to be in the name of the parent company.</p>
<p>OREPL, which is implementing a hybrid renewable project in Agar, Madhya Pradesh, through its SPV (OGHOPL), submitted that it had already invested ₹7.8 billion (~$90.48 million) in the project, acquired 70% to 97% of the land, and completed up to 31% of the erection work.</p>
<p>Similarly, AEPL, which won a Solar Energy Corporation of India tender, applied for 50 MW connectivity and submitted all project documents through its SPV, AMSPL.</p>
<p>CTUIL maintained that it was bound by the current regulations but expressed no objection to acting on specific or generic directions from the Commission.</p>
<p><strong>Commission’s Analysis</strong></p>
<p>CERC noted that it had used its relaxation powers to allow similar SPV submissions in previous orders. It found that there was no regulatory or commercial risk in allowing land and financial closure documents from SPVs if they are wholly owned subsidiaries of the connectivity grantee.</p>
<p>Recognizing that the draft third amendment to the GNA Regulations already proposes such flexibility, the Commission relaxed Regulations 11A (1) and 11A (2), permitting SPVs to submit the required documents.</p>
<p>The Commission also mandated CTUIL to return the land bank guarantees within seven days of receiving the documents. However, connectivity bank guarantees will be released only after the commercial operation date.</p>
<p>CTUIL was directed to verify the legal status of SPVs and process all submissions accordingly.</p>
<p>Recently, CERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cerc-approves-tariffs-for-ntpcs-1170-mw-wind-solar-hybrid-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> tariffs ranging from ₹3.28 (~$0.038) to ₹3.29 (~$0.038)/kWh for NTPC’s 1,170 MW of wind-solar hybrid power projects.</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>


CERC Allows Project SPVs to Submit Land Documents for ISTS Connectivity


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/amazon_polly_81358.mp3?version=1751345022">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>China Energy Engineering Corporation&#8217;s (<a href="http://en.ceec.net.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CEEC</a>) auction for 25 GWh of lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery systems resulted in a record-low quoted tariff of CNY 0.37/Wh (~$0.051), a 30% year-over-year decrease from 2024.</p>
<p>The tender was structured into three packages based on system duration and received bids from more than 70 companies. For the one-hour systems, totaling 3 GW/3 GWh, prices ranged from CNY 0.673 to CNY 0.89/Wh (~$0.093–$0.124/Wh), with an average bid of CNY 0.7863/Wh (~$0.109/Wh).</p>
<p>The two-hour systems covered 6 GW/12 GWh. Bids in this category fell between CNY 0.416 and CNY 0.5764/Wh (~$0.058–$0.08/Wh), with an average price of CNY 0.4646/Wh (~$0.064/Wh). Notably, ten companies submitted nearly identical top bids, clustered between CNY 0.428 and CNY 0.44/Wh (~$0.059–$0.061/Wh).</p>
<p>The most competitive pricing appeared in the four-hour systems segment, totaling 2.5 GW/10 GWh. Here, bids ranged from CNY 0.37 to CNY 0.495/Wh (~$0.051–$0.068/Wh), with an average of CNY 0.4249/Wh (~$0.059/Wh). The lowest bid of CNY0.37/Wh (~$0.051) set a new low for the industry.</p>
<p>China&#8217;s leading battery manufacturers, including CATL, BYD, Sungrow, and Envision Energy, participated in the auction.</p>
<p>More than 60% of the tendered capacity is expected to support standalone battery energy storage systems, designed to provide services like peak shaving and frequency regulation.</p>
<p>Other deployments will be hybridized with renewable energy sources, particularly wind and solar, to enhance dispatchability and grid stability. A smaller share is earmarked for commercial and industrial users seeking to exploit time-of-use pricing and manage demand peaks.</p>
<p>According to the China Energy Storage Alliance, China added 13.3 GW/32.1 GWh of new energy storage capacity, a YoY increase of 52.5% in power and 41.8% in energy until May 2025.</p>
<p>Global energy storage capacity additions are expected to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/global-energy-storage-market-remains-resilient-amid-us-and-china-policy-changes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">grow</a> by 35% in 2025 to 94 GW or 247 GWh, according to BloombergNEF&#8217;s latest outlook.</p>
<p>Corporate funding for energy storage companies, including venture capital, debt, and public market financing, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/energy-storage-funding-declines-sharply-in-q1-2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">totaled</a> $2.2 billion across 31 deals in Q1 2025, according to Mercom Capital Group&#8217;s recently released Q1 2025 Funding and M&amp;A Report for Energy Storage.</p>


China Discovers Record Low Tariff of $0.051/Wh in Battery Storage Auction


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/amazon_polly_81331.mp3?version=1751268879">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p><strong>Egypt</strong>’s <strong>Suez Canal Economic Zone</strong> and Chinese firm <strong>Sunrev Solar</strong> <a href="https://sczone.eg/with-investments-of-200-million-chairman-of-sczone-witnesses-groundbreaking-ceremony-for-an-integrated-solar-energy-components-industrial-complex-in-sokhna-spanning-200000-square-meters/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commenced</a> construction of an integrated solar energy components industrial complex in Ain Sokhna. Spanning 200,000 sq m and backed by a $200 million investment, the project will be developed in two phases. The first phase, valued at $90 million, will comprise two factories designed to produce 2 GW of solar cells and modules. The second phase, valued at $110 million, will localize the production of key raw materials, including silicon ingots and wafers.</p>
<p>The <strong>Arab Petroleum </strong><strong>Investments Corporation (APICORP)</strong> <a href="https://english.ajel.sa/business/apicorp-funds-sirajpower-with-50mn-for-solar-energy-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extended</a> a $50 million credit facility to the <strong>United Arab Emirates (UAE)</strong>-based <strong>SirajPower</strong> to boost its portfolio of distributed solar energy projects across the Middle East. The financing represents the largest lease-funding platform for solar projects in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. It aims to support businesses in reducing their utility bills and lowering carbon emissions. Ahmed Attiga, CEO of APICORP, stated that the investment is part of the company’s $450 million renewable energy commitment over the next four years.</p>
<p><strong>The UAE’s Sharjah <a href="https://masdar.ae/en/news/newsroom/sultan-bin-ahmed-inaugurates-sharjah-1st-solar-plant-sana" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inaugurated</a> its first utility-scale solar facility, “SANA,” with a capacity of 60 MW and an area of 850,000 square meters</strong>. Located near the Sajaa Gas Plant, the solar project will supply clean power to the Sharjah National Oil Corporation’s operations and feed surplus electricity to the Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority. The project was executed in collaboration with <strong>Emerge</strong>, a joint venture between <strong>Masdar </strong>and <strong>EDF</strong>, which will also handle its operation and maintenance over the next 25 years.</p>
<p><strong>Algeria</strong>’s state-owned oil company <strong>Sonatrach</strong> has <a href="https://fuelcellsworks.com/2025/06/25/h2/sonatrach-hecate-and-tosyali-launch-feasibility-study-for-green-hydrogen-in-algeria-s-steel-sector" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a memorandum of understanding with <strong>U.S.-</strong>based <strong>Hecate Renewable Energy</strong> and steel maker <strong>Tosyali Algerie</strong> to evaluate a green hydrogen production project powered by renewables, aimed at decarbonizing Algeria’s steel sector.</p>


MENA Weekly Roundup: Egypt Launches $200 Million Solar Components Plant


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/amazon_polly_81303.mp3?version=1751029417">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Ministry of Heavy Industries (<a href="https://heavyindustries.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MHI</a>) has launched the application portal for the ‘Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India (SPMEPCI),’ inviting global and domestic manufacturers to establish electric vehicle (EV) production facilities in the country.</p>
<p>The application portal will remain active until October 21, 2025.</p>
<p>The program aims to attract major global EV manufacturers by offering a reduced customs duty structure and a policy framework that encourages long-term investments in India’s automotive sector.</p>
<p>MHI had recently MHI had recently <a title="https://www.mercomindia.com/heavy-industries-ministry-issues-guidelines-for-electric-car-manufacturing" href="https://www.mercomindia.com/heavy-industries-ministry-issues-guidelines-for-electric-car-manufacturing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">issued</a> guidelines for SPMEPCI. Investments under this program must target domestic manufacturing of eligible products. If the program’s investment is directed towards a brownfield project, there must be a clear physical separation from current manufacturing facilities.</p>
<p>The guidelines also allow applicants to import completely built units of electric four-wheelers with a minimum cost, insurance, and freight value of $35,000 (~₹2.99 million) at a reduced customs duty rate of 15% for five years from the date of application approval.</p>
<p>To qualify for the program, manufacturers must commit a minimum investment of ₹41.5 billion (~$485.33 million). The program also includes clear domestic value addition targets and requires applicants to meet specified localization milestones to support the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.</p>
<p>These provisions are designed to ensure that the development of domestic capabilities accompanies the transfer of EV technology. They also aim to ensure that India benefits from both foreign direct investment and increased local innovation.</p>
<p>Earlier this year, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mhi-mandates-100-dcr-requirement-for-18-ev-components-under-pm-e-drive" target="_blank" rel="noopener">mandated</a> a 100% domestic content requirement for 18 electric vehicle components under the two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and e-bus segments to be eligible for a subsidy under the PM E-Drive program.</p>
<p>EV sales in India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/electric-vehicle-sales-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached</a> a record 1.95 million units in 2024, representing an over 27% year-over-year growth from the 1.53 million units sold in 2023. These vehicles accounted for 3.6% of overall automobile sales, according to data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways through its Vahan Dashboard.</p>


Government Opens Doors to Global Electric Car Makers with Portal Launch


					<table id="amazon-polly-audio-table">
						<tr>
						<td id="amazon-polly-audio-tab">
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-label">Listen to this article</div>
							<div id="amazon-ai-player-container">
			<audio class="amazon-ai-player" id="amazon-ai-player" preload="none" controls   controlsList="nodownload" >
				<source type="audio/mpeg" src="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/amazon_polly_81258.mp3?version=1751006263">
			</audio>
		</div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-subscribe-tab"></div>
							<div id="amazon-polly-by-tab"></div>
						</td>
						</tr>
					</table><p>The Ministry of Power (<a href="https://powermin.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MoP</a>) has proposed amendments to the guidelines for the tariff-based competitive bidding process to procure power from grid-connected power projects. These revisions apply to solar, wind, wind-solar hybrid, and firm and dispatchable power from renewable energy projects with energy storage systems.</p>
<p><strong>PSA Approval Timeline</strong></p>
<p>According to the proposed amendments, all projects will have a fixed timeline for regulatory approvals.</p>
<p>The amendments would require that when power procurement involves an intermediary agency and the end buyer is a distribution licensee, the latter must obtain regulatory approval for the power sale agreement (PSA) within 30 days of signing it. Such requirements apply to cases where prior approval was not obtained.</p>
<p>These provisions aim to avoid prolonged delays in obtaining regulatory clearance for PSAs. They apply uniformly to all types of renewable projects, including solar, wind, hybrid, and energy storage-linked generation.</p>
<p><strong>SCSD Extensions</strong></p>
<p>In cases where the appropriate regulatory commission fails to approve either the tariff or the PSA within 60 days of submission or 120 days from the date of the PSA, the project developer would be granted an extension for the scheduled commissioning and supply date (SCSD).</p>
<p>The extension would be based on the number of days there is a delay in tariff adoption or PSA approval, whichever is longer. It aims to ensure that developers are not penalized for regulatory inaction.</p>
<p>The government has also clarified that if delays occur in both tariff adoption and PSA approval, the longer of the two delays will be considered when granting the SCSD extension.</p>
<p><strong>PBG Slashed to 3%</strong></p>
<p>The proposed amendments aim to reduce the performance bank guarantee (PBG) requirement to 3% of the estimated cost for the relevant financial year, down from the earlier 5% of the estimated project or capital cost.</p>
<p>The PBG amount will be specified in the bid documents and must be submitted at the time of signing the power purchase agreement. In the case of wind projects, the amount must also conform to the limits specified by the Ministry of Finance.</p>
<p>In February this year, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/power-ministry-amends-bidding-guidelines-renewable-energy-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">introduced</a> several amendments to the competitive bidding guidelines, including compensation mechanisms for failure to meet the minimum capacity utilization factor and location-specific bid requirements.</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>


Energy Storage

Get the most relevant India solar and clean energy news.

RECENT POSTS