NTPC Green Floats EPC Tender for 200 MWh Battery Storage Project

DRI Secures $127 Million for 133 MW Battery Storage Project in Poland

Delhi Regulator Permits DISCOMs to Recover Higher Power Purchase Costs

Industry Bodies Move Karnataka High Court to Quash ALMM-II Mandate

ONGC Announces Winner of 250 MW Wind Projects Auction

Companion.energy Raises $9 Million to Expand Energy Optimization Platform

Meghalaya Power Regulator Issues Draft Grid Code

Chubu Electric to Invest $141 Million in Continuum Green Energy

US Defense Adds Eight Chinese Clean Energy Firms to its Blacklist

India Identifies Over 102 GW Floating Solar Potential


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					</table><p>Renewable energy industry associations have filed a writ petition before the <a href="https://judiciary.karnataka.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karnataka High Court</a> to set aside the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s (<a href="https://mnre.gov.in/en/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MNRE</a>) mandate requiring solar cells to be sourced from the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers List-II (ALMM-II) from June 1, 2026.</p>
<p>The petitioners sought that enforcement of the ALMM List-II be deferred until India’s installed solar cell manufacturing capacity is sufficient to meet demand for projects covered by the ALMM framework.</p>
<p>Pending orders on the petition, the associations have requested the Karnataka High Court to grant an interim stay on the ALMM List-II mandate.</p>
<p>The writ petition challenging MNRE’s ALMM List-II mandate was filed by the <a href="https://kreakarnataka.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Karnataka Renewable Energy System Manufacturers Association</a>, the<a href="https://www.kreepa.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Kerala Renewable Energy Entrepreneurs and Promoters Association</a>, and the <a href="https://tnsolarassociation.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tamil Nadu Solar Energy Developers Association</a>.</p>
<p>The associations said that the enforcement of ALMM List-II has led to a 170% increase in solar cell prices. Solar cells sourced from ALMM-listed manufacturers cost around ₹12 (~$0.13)/W, compared to the international market price of ₹5 (~$0.05)/W.</p>
<p>They contended that this could increase the cost of ALMM-compliant modules to approximately ₹24 (~$0.25)/W from ₹14 (~$0.15)/W under the earlier free cell sourcing arrangement.</p>
<p>Of approximately 30 GW of ALMM-listed cell capacity, only 4-5.3 GW is based on TOPCon technology. This, they said, would force manufacturers to rely on older and less efficient Mono PERC cells.</p>
<p>According to the petitioners, a shift from TOPCon to Mono PERC would significantly increase solar project costs. A Mono PERC-based project would cost around ₹45 million (~$472,000)/MW, compared to ₹30 million (~$315,000)/MW for a TOPCon-based project, resulting in an increase of ₹15 million (~$157,000)/MW.</p>
<p>The higher cost of projects using Mono PERC would stem from lower yield per unit area, which would require additional land, mounting structures, and cables, the petitioners said.</p>
<p>They argued that the cost escalation would make a substantial portion of renewable energy developers’ project pipelines unviable and could trigger defaults under existing loan covenants.</p>
<p>The petitioners said that EPC contractors and project developers had entered into binding procurement contracts and signed power purchase agreements and loan agreements with lenders based on their ability to source solar cells from competitive global or domestic suppliers outside the ALMM List-II.</p>
<p>The imposition of the cell sourcing mandate from ALMM-listed manufacturers makes the performance of such contracts commercially impractical, causing downstream tariff disruption and exposing them to contractual liability, the petitioners said.</p>
<p>The associations claimed that the MNRE did not consult stakeholders before issuing the compliance deadline, rendering the order procedurally improper.</p>
<p>They added that any delay in commissioning solar projects due to supply chain constraints would also affect India’s ability to meet its renewable purchase obligation targets.</p>
<p>Recently, the MNRE <a href="https://cm.mercomindia.com/mnre-asks-solar-cell-module-manufacturers-to-submit-monthly-price-data" target="_blank" rel="noopener">asked</a> all manufacturers listed on the ALMM to submit monthly price ranges for domestically manufactured solar cells and modules to prevent opportunistic profiteering.</p>
<p>The MNRE also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-panel-will-review-almm-solar-cell-exemption-extension-requests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">constituted</a> an expert committee to examine applications from net metering and open-access renewable energy projects seeking an extension for commissioning beyond May 31, 2026, to comply with the ALMM List-II mandate.</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>



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					</table><p>Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) projects are <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/fdre-projects-create-new-revenue-streams-through-surplus-power-sales" target="_blank" rel="noopener">creating</a> new revenue opportunities for developers by enabling the sale of excess renewable generation. These projects typically combine oversized solar, wind, and battery storage capacities to meet dispatch obligations while ensuring a reliable and continuous supply of renewable power.</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/almm-list-ii-relief-only-for-pm-surya-ghar-consumers-giving-up-subsidy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified</a> that residential rooftop solar consumers availing net metering under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana who choose the ‘Give It Up’ option are exempt from the applicability of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar cells only until March 31, 2027.</p>
<p>MNRE <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-waives-factory-inspection-for-higher-wattage-almm-solar-modules" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waived</a> the requirement for physical factory inspections for certain higher-wattage solar modules under the ALMM. The waiver will apply to models with wattage up to 3% higher than the highest-wattage solar module enlisted in the ALMM.</p>
<p>The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cerc-allows-withdrawal-of-grid-connectivity-request-for-250-mw-hybrid-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> the Central Transmission Utility of India to process the application of a renewable energy project developer to withdraw connectivity for its proposed 250 MW wind-solar hybrid power project in Bidar, Karnataka.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (UPERC) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-approves-tariff-for-5-mw-concentrated-solar-power-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> a power purchase agreement entered into by a developer with Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation for a 5 MW concentrated solar power pilot project in Unnao with a tariff of ₹4.73 (~$0.05)/kWh.</p>
<p>UPERC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-power-regulator-approves-110-mw-kusum-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> 42 power purchase agreements for 110.5 MW grid-connected solar projects under the feeder-level solarization program of PM-KUSUM Component C-2.</p>
<p>The economics of commercial and industrial solar projects are being <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ci-solar-project-design-now-focusing-more-on-efficiency-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shaped</a> by energy banking regulations that eliminate consumers’ flexibility to use banked energy across broader time blocks. In an interview with Mercom India, Dipankar Pal, Founder and Managing Director at Roofsol Energy, discussed how the revised banking framework, storage requirements, grid-related charges, and policy uncertainty are influencing C&amp;I solar adoption.</p>
<p>India’s Ministry of Defense <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ministry-of-defense-approves-250-mw-solar-plus-storage-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> a 250 MW solar power project with a battery energy storage system at Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, on approximately 850 acres of vacant land. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh approved the project, which will be developed at the Sitapur ex-cantonment site.</p>
<p>The Institute of Mental Health and Hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Agra district <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/agra-hospital-eyes-lower-power-costs-with-321-6-kw-rooftop-solar-system" target="_blank" rel="noopener">installed</a> a 321.6 kW rooftop solar system capable of generating 469,536 units of electricity annually. The move will help the institution offset a significant portion of its grid power consumption and support its sustainability goals.</p>
<p>India’s textile industry has always been energy-intensive. But with rising power costs and growing pressure to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/dhanish-cotton-mills-installs-rooftop-solar-to-cut-carbon-emissions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce</a> carbon emissions, textile manufacturers are increasingly turning to solar power as a practical business solution. A recent rooftop solar installation at Dhanish Cotton Mills in Punjai Puliampatti, Erode, Tamil Nadu, shows how clean energy is becoming an important part of industrial competitiveness.</p>
<p>Power Grid Corporation of India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/powergrid-floats-tender-for-400-kv-gis-substation-in-tamil-nadu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to set up a 400 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation in Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, for the transmission system associated with proposed green hydrogen and green ammonia projects in the region. Bids must be submitted by June 22, 2026.</p>
<p>Adani Energy Solutions <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/adani-energy-solutions-to-acquire-smart-metering-company-intellismart" target="_blank" rel="noopener">signed</a> a binding securities purchase and subscription agreement to acquire 100% of the equity in smart metering company IntelliSmart Infrastructure. IntelliSmart is a joint venture between the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund and Energy Efficiency Services with a portfolio of more than 22 million meters deployed across Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam.</p>
<p>Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) have <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/molecular-interface-engineering-can-enhance-perovskite-solar-cell-stability" target="_blank" rel="noopener">developed</a> a formamidinium -based perovskite semiconductor technology for solar cells and memory devices, using a molecular interface engineering method that helped solar cells achieve 25.73% efficiency, converting one-quarter of incident sunlight into electricity.</p>
<p>Gurgaon-based independent power producer ACME Solar Holdings <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/acme-solar-raises-%E2%82%B928-billion-via-qualified-institutional-placement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">completed</a> a ₹28 billion (~$293.47 million) qualified institutional placement, its first equity capital raise since listing in 2024.</p>
<p>Researchers have <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/us-commissions-prismatic-cell-line-to-test-grid-storage-technologies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commissioned</a> an advanced prismatic battery cell production line at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. The production line consists of 16 pieces of equipment across a 1,400 sq. ft laboratory space.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: FDRE Projects Tap New Revenue from Surplus Power Sales


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					</table><p>India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-solar-imports-rise-14-qoq-in-q1-2026-exports-continue-to-decline" target="_blank" rel="noopener">imported</a> solar cells and modules worth over $1.27 billion (~₹116 billion) in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, a 2.8% year-over-year decline from $1.3 billion (~₹112.9 billion) in Q1 2025, according to data from the Department of Commerce. On a quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) basis, combined module and cell imports increased by 14.3% from over $1.11 billion (~₹98.8 billion). Solar module imports rose 81.2%, while cell imports declined 1.9% from the previous quarter.</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-sets-dcr-portal-route-for-almm-list-ii-extension-requests" target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> renewable energy developers to submit requests for exemption from compliance with the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) List-II for solar cells only through the dedicated domestic content requirement (DCR) portal. The requests must be submitted along with all the supporting documents and evidence.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/uttar-pradesh-adopts-tariff-for-56-mw-of-solar-power-under-kusum" target="_blank" rel="noopener">adopted</a> a tariff of ₹2.98 (~$0.0312)/kWh for the procurement of 56 MW of solar power under Component C2 of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan program. It also approved 28 power purchase agreements signed by the successful bidder, Nacof Oorja (with MKC NOPL Green Energy as the SPV), and the Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation.</p>
<p>India’s power transmission gap is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/grid-delays-mount-as-36-critical-ists-lines-cross-commissioning-date" target="_blank" rel="noopener">widening</a>, with the latest official data flagging schedule slippages in 36 critical interstate transmission system lines. The scheduled commercial operation dates for these under-construction transmission lines, with a combined length of 10,321 circuit kilometers, had elapsed as of April 30, 2026, according to the Central Transmission Utility of India.</p>
<p>Rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana have <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pm-surya-ghar-crosses-four-million-but-fy-2027-target-remains-distant" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crossed</a> the four million milestone, according to data from the MNRE and Mercom India Research. In social media posts, Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi said India’s solar revolution is becoming a true people’s movement, with states across the nation rapidly embracing rooftop solar through the PM Surya Ghar program.</p>
<p>Solar engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors are <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/indias-solar-epc-market-shifting-toward-digital-simulation-tools-interview" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increasingly</a> turning to design and simulation platforms to cut proposal delays, improve design accuracy, and connect field assessments with simulation, financial modeling, and procurement workflows. In an exclusive interview with Mercom India, Shashank Jha and Kalyan Tarafdar, co-founders at Reslink, which provides software and hardware for renewable energy EPC contractors to accelerate projects.</p>
<p>NTPC Green Energy (NGEL) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-green-energy-tenders-7-8-gwh-battery-storage-systems-in-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to develop 7,800 MWh of battery energy storage systems at NTPC Renewables’ (NTPC REL) solar project in Bikaner. The scope of work includes design, engineering, supply, packing, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of the grid-connected battery energy storage systems on a turnkey basis.</p>
<p>NGEL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-green-energy-invites-bids-for-3-3-gwh-battery-storage-systems-in-gujarat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to develop 3,300 MWh of battery energy storage systems at NTPC REL’s solar project in Khavda, Gujarat. The scope of work includes the design, engineering, supply, packing and forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of the grid-connected battery storage system on a turnkey basis.</p>
<p>NGEL <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-green-issue-epc-tender-for-3-2-gwh-battery-storage-project-in-rajasthan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for EPC of 3,200 MWh of battery storage systems at NTPC REL’s solar project in Fatehgarh, Rajasthan. The last date to submit bids is June 25, 2026. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of work entails design, engineering, supply, packing, forwarding, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, and commissioning of grid-connected battery storage projects.</p>
<p>The Solar Energy Corporation of India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/seci-invites-bids-for-12-25-mw-rooftop-solar-projects-across-india" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a request for selection to set up 12,250 kW of grid-connected rooftop solar projects on the buildings of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (Tranche-XI) in 21 states and union territories under the renewable energy service company model.</p>
<p>Global energy investment is <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/global-energy-investment-hits-3-4-trillion-as-security-concerns-reshape-spending" target="_blank" rel="noopener">expected</a> to reach $3.4 trillion in 2026, a 5% increase from 2025, as spending rises on electricity systems, energy security, and domestic energy resources, according to the latest World Energy Investment 2026 report released by the International Energy Agency.</p>
<p>AusEnergy Services <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/south-australia-awards-1-3-gw-of-battery-storage-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded</a> six long-duration battery storage projects totaling 1,334 MW/5,336 MWh under the first Firm Energy Reliability Mechanism auction in South Australia. The projects must be designed to deliver a cumulative committed output of 517 MW/4,136 MWh and be capable of continuous dispatch for at least 8 hours during periods of tight supply-demand balance.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: India’s Solar Imports Jump 14% QoQ in Q1 2026


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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 government solar projects under net metering, behind-the-meter, and open access mechanisms are exempt from using cells under List-II of the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) if the bid submission deadlines fall on or before the cutoff date of August 31, 2025.</p>
<p>Such projects must only comply with the ALMM List-I mandate for modules.</p>
<p>However, such projects covered by any government program or other initiatives, such as components B and C of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, and the CPSU Scheme Phase-II, that mandate using solar cells and modules compliant with the domestic content requirement, will not be exempt from the full ALMM requirements.</p>
<p>The Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-releases-almm-list-ii-for-solar-cells-with-a-capacity-of-13-gw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> the first ALMM List-II for solar cells on July 31, 2025, enlisting nine domestic manufacturers with a cumulative annual production capacity of 13,067 MW. The ALMM List-II will come into effect from July 1, 2026.</p>
<p>The Ministry issued the clarification to clear the industry’s confusion over the ALMM mandate’s applicability for government projects under net-metering, behind-the-meter, and open access modes, if the last bid submission date falls before the cut-off date.</p>
<p>Members of the industry had highlighted that the clause exempting government projects with a last bid submission date on or before the cut-off date from using cells from ALMM List-II contradicts another clause mandating ALMM List-II compliance for projects under net metering and open access commissioned on or after June 1, 2026.</p>
<p>In July 2025, the Ministry <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/use-of-almm-listed-solar-cells-mandatory-a-month-after-list-publication" target="_blank" rel="noopener">exempted</a> government projects mandated to use solar modules from the ALMM List-I from complying with ALMM List-II for solar cells, if the bid submission deadline is on or before the cut-off date. Such projects will be exempt from using solar cells from the ALMM List-II even if their date of commissioning is beyond June 1, 2026.</p>
<p>In the same month, MNRE <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-issues-clarifications-on-almm-mandate-for-behind-the-meter-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">clarified</a> that behind-the-meter projects for captive consumption by government entities or public sector enterprises must use solar modules from the ALMM. However, these projects are exempt from using ALMM-compliant cells if they were commissioned before June 1, 2026. Projects commissioned after this deadline must use ALMM-listed modules and cells.</p>


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