Daily News Wrap-Up: MoP Launches Energy Efficiency Program for MSMEs

India’s Solar Manufacturing Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges

Government Allows NTPC, NLC to Invest ₹270 Billion in Green Energy Arms

August Energy Secures $15 Million to Expand India Renewables Portfolio

Power Ministry Launches Program to Boost Energy Efficiency in MSME Sector

APTEL Rules Transmission Line Built by CTU Deemed Interstate System  

Chhattisgarh Hikes FY 2026 Electricity Tariffs by 1.89% Across Categories

Shree Cement Aims to Cut Reliance on Grid Energy with 6 MW Solar Project

Rooftop Solar Helps National Institute Reduce Electricity Costs by 30%

US Initiates National Security Investigation into Polysilicon Imports


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					</table><p>Reliance Infrastructure, JBM Renewables, PNC Infratech, SAEL Industries, and Navayuga Engineering Company <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/reliance-sael-jbm-pnc-navayuga-win-nhpcs-1-2-gw-solar-plus-storage-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> NHPC’s 1.2 GW auction (Tranche-XI) to set up interstate transmission system-connected solar power projects with 600 MW/2,400 MWh energy storage systems. Reliance Infrastructure won 390 MW, JBM Renewables won 150 MW, PNC Infratech won 300 MW, and SAEL Industries won 300 MW at a tariff of ₹3.13 (~$0.0365)/kWh. Navayuga Engineering Company won 60 MW of the 200 MW quoted capacity under the bucket filling method at a tariff of ₹3.13 (~$0.0365)/kWh.</p>
<p>Solar project developers <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/maharashtras-energy-banking-rules-could-limit-solar-capacity-additions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fear</a> a significant drop in capacity additions among Maharashtra’s prosumers because of the Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (MERC) proposal to impose energy banking restrictions. The MERC tariff order has come under severe criticism from solar project developers as the energy banking rules can effectively reduce the savings generated from a solar project and disincentivize solar adoption for the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company consumers.</p>
<p>Driven by the need to <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/rooftop-solar-helps-hp-adhesives-cut-electricity-bill-by-65" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reduce</a> power costs and meet sustainability targets, an increasing number of companies in the commercial and industrial sector are adopting rooftop solar solutions. With clean energy usage becoming increasingly imperative for many businesses due to the savings on power bills and meeting their sustainability objectives, rooftop solar is a preferred choice for going green. Mumbai-based HP Adhesives, a company specializing in adhesives and sealants, has recently installed a 392.7 kW rooftop solar system at its manufacturing facility in Narangi Village in Maharashtra’s Raigad district to reduce its electricity bills.</p>
<p>The fifth edition of Mercom India’s two-day flagship event, the Mercom India Renewables Summit, will <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/driving-renewable-energy-growth-through-technology-innovation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">feature</a> engaging conversations about the growth and future of renewable energy in the country. The Summit will be held on July 24-25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi. The unprecedented growth of renewable energy is built on the foundation of evolving technology. There have been significant developments in innovation and adoption of solar module and cell technologies, solar trackers, and floating solar projects. The use of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence is also gaining traction in the renewable energy industry.</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mnre-invites-second-round-of-rd-proposals-under-green-hydrogen-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> the second call for Research and Development (R&amp;D) proposals under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The R&amp;D program aims to accelerate the development of indigenous and cost-effective green hydrogen technologies across the production, storage, transportation, and utilization segments. Proposals must align with objectives focused on enhancing the affordability, safety, efficiency, and scalability of green hydrogen production, as well as its storage, transportation, and utilization. They must also promote collaborative research and development between academia, industry, and government institutions.</p>
<p>Bihar <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bihar-aims-to-install-22-gw-of-solar-by-fy-2030" target="_blank" rel="noopener">set</a> a target to install a cumulative 23.9 GW of renewable energy capacity, including 22 GW of solar, and 6 GWh of energy storage by the end of the financial year (FY) 2030, according to the Bihar Policy for Promotion of New and Renewable Energy Sources 2025. Renewable energy projects commissioned until FY 2030 will be eligible for incentives for 25 years or the lifespan of the power project, whichever is earlier. The state will also establish a single-window cell to expedite the projects’ time-bound approval.</p>
<p>Mumbai-based power infrastructure manufacturer Bajel Projects will <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/bajel-to-expand-galvanizing-capacity-for-steel-module-mounting-structures" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invest</a> ₹1.7 billion (~$19.78 million) in more than doubling its galvanizing capacity at its Ranjangaon facility in Maharashtra. Galvanized steel is widely used in mounting structures and frames for solar panels, as well as in transmission infrastructure. The investment will also be utilized to enhance its production capabilities in transmission towers, monopoles, lighting towers, and high masts. The expansion initiative will increase the output of the facility from over 40,000 metric tons per annum to more than 100,000 MT per annum.</p>
<p>The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/andhra-pradesh-simplifies-process-new-electricity-connections-150-kw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fixed</a> connection charges for new or additional loads up to 150 kW to streamline electricity connections for small and medium consumers. These charges will only apply when the service location lies within 1 km of an electrified network. The maximum length of the service line must not exceed 1 km. The charges, categorized by type of service, are to be applied during the financial year 2025–26. Consumers whose load exceeds 100 HP, or 75 kW, may choose between LT or HT supply, up to 150 kW. Those who opt for LT supply for loads between 75 kW and 150 kW will be billed at the tariffs specified in the retail supply tariff (RST) orders.</p>
<p>Poland’s Energy Regulatory Office <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/poland-16-twh-renewable-energy-latest-auctions" target="_blank" rel="noopener">awarded</a> 16 TWh of renewable energy for PLN5 billion (~$1.37 billion) across two auctions held this month. Of the 129 winning bids, 126 were for solar installations and three for wind. Tenders were issued for a capacity of 75.9 TWh with a maximum value of slightly over PLN31 billion (~$8.51 billion). The most competitive auction was for projects above 1 MW, which attracted 73 bidders and 98 bids. Solar dominated this segment with 95 bids. This auction offered 32.25 TWh with a budget of nearly PLN8.9 billion (~$2.22 billion).</p>
<p>Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/italy-eoi-17-6-gw-solar-projects-ferx-decree" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> it received nearly 1,500 expressions of interest (EoIs) under the country’s FERX decree, a new mechanism to support renewable energy projects utilizing energy sources such as solar and wind. The decree was launched in February this year. The Ministry said that solar energy, with approximately 1,400 EoIs for a total capacity of roughly 17.6 GW, drove the participation. This capacity is over twice the expected 8 GW capacity. Wind power projects received 90 EoIs for an approximate total capacity of 2.9 GW, aligning with the available quota of 2.5 GW.</p>
<p>Global solar inverter shipments <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/global-solar-inverter-shipments-reach-589-gw-in-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increased</a> by 10% in 2024, reaching a total capacity of 589 GW, according to the 2025 edition of Wood Mackenzie’s Global Solar Inverter Market Share report. The Asia Pacific region, including China, India, and Southeast Asia, accounted for 69% of all global shipments. China alone received 330 GW, more than half of the global demand and a 14% increase over 2023. This regional demand largely drove the global market growth. In contrast, the U.S. and Europe witnessed a contraction in inverter shipments. Nine of the top ten inverter vendors worldwide are headquartered in China.</p>
<p>Panasonic Energy, a Panasonic Group company, has <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/panasonic-opens-ev-battery-manufacturing-plant-in-kansas" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> the opening of its new cylindrical lithium-ion battery factory for electric vehicles (EVs) in De Soto, in the U.S. state of Kansas. The company has also begun mass-producing its 2170 battery cells at the Kansas plant. It aims to achieve an annual production capacity of approximately 32 GWh. The factory is built on roughly 300 acres of land. Panasonic Energy aims to utilize the Kansas facility to increase its U.S.-based production capacity to approximately 73 GWh. The new facility will also help meet the demand from automotive consumers who are increasing their EV production.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: Winners of NHPC’s 1.2 GW Solar Plus Storage Auction


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					</table><p>The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/delhi-metro-floats-tender-for-5-mw-rooftop-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to set up rooftop solar power projects with a capacity of 5 MW over its Phase-IV metro rail network. Bids must be submitted by July 31, 2025. Bids will be opened on August 1. The scope of work involves the design, engineering, supply, erection, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar projects. It also entails providing operation and maintenance services for 25 years.</p>
<p>Mercom India is back with the fifth edition of its Renewables Summit 2025, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/mercom-india-summit-2025-session-grid-stability-renewable-energy-integration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">scheduled</a> to take place on July 24-25, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in New Delhi. India’s electricity grid plays a critical role in the country’s energy transition. As renewable capacity grows, integrating variable energy sources and meeting the demand for round-the-clock clean power has created significant challenges for grid operators. The panel discussion, “<strong>Hybrid Power: Strengthening Grid Stability and Scaling Renewable Integration</strong>,” on July 24, will delve into the challenges of enhancing renewable integration and maintaining grid stability.</p>
<p>NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-issues-tender-to-empanel-epc-service-providers-for-solar-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a tender to empanel engineering, procurement, and construction contractors for developing rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects of up to 20 MW per vendor. Bids must be submitted by July 23, 2025. Bids will be opened on July 24. The empanelment will be valid for one year. The scope of work entails the design, engineering, supply, transportation, unloading, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of the solar projects. It also involves undertaking all the associated electrical and civil works.</p>
<p>Mumbai-based CleanMax and Toyota Tsusho India <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/cleanmax-toyota-tsusho-to-develop-300-mw-of-renewable-energy-projects" target="_blank" rel="noopener">formed</a> 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. 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 International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Mumbai-based power transmission and renewable energy company IndiGrid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ifc-indigrid-to-develop-180-mw-360-mwh-standalone-bess-project-in-gujarat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> a partnership to develop a 180 MW/360 MWh standalone battery energy storage system project in Gujarat. 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. IFC has committed ₹46 billion (~$534.88 million) in long-term financing to IndiGrid through a subscription to listed non-convertible debentures.</p>
<p>Offshore wind energy capacity additions <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/global-offshore-wind-capacity-additions-fell-26-in-2024-to-8-gw-gwec" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reached</a> 8 GW at the end of 2024, a 26% decrease from the previous year, according to a report by the Global Wind Energy Council. By the end of 2024, a total of 83 GW of offshore wind power projects had been installed worldwide. The decline in installations in 2024 has been attributed to adverse conditions, including a negative policy environment in the U.S., auction failures in the UK and Denmark, as well as grid transmission delays in Europe, which also contributed to the downward trend in offshore wind capacity additions.</p>


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


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					</table><p>Stricter regulations around financing, severe penalties for non-payment of dues, mandatory energy accounting, and auditing are the driving factors behind the considerable improvement in the otherwise sluggish performance of state distribution companies (DISCOM) over the past year.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Power recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/discoms-atc-losses-decline-17-fy22-tough-reforms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">published</a> data notifying a considerable decline in Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&amp;C) losses and the gap between the Average Cost of Supply (ACS) and Average Realizable Revenue (ARR), the key indicators of DISCOMs’ performance.</p>
<p>The AT&amp;C losses of DISCOMs declined significantly to ~17% in the financial year (FY) 2021-22 from 22.32% in FY 2020-21. The gap between ACS and ARR declined 68% to ₹0.22 (~$0.002)/kWh in FY22 from ₹0.69 (~$0.008)/kWh in FY21.</p>
<p>A smaller AT&amp;C losses figure suggests that a DISCOM efficiently supplies electricity with minimal leakages. A lower ACS-ARR gap shows that a DISCOM is recouping most of the operational costs.</p>
<p>The improvement comes after the Ministry of Power recently revised norms of lending agencies like the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and REC, restricting them from financing loss-making DISCOMs without any action plan to improve within a specific timeframe.</p>
<p>On average, India’s DISCOMs face a loss of ₹0.93 (~$0.011)/kWh of input energy, as <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/state-owned-discoms-continue-to-impede-renewables-growth" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> by Mercom previously, which means most DISCOMs are perennially dependent on loans for day-to-day operations and are unable to modernize systems and bring in new technology.</p>
<p>In the absence of such loans for clearing the dues they owe to generating companies, DISCOMs are left with no option but to improve the collection, reflected in the narrowing ACS-ARR gap.</p>
<p>The government has identified PFC to be one of the nodal agencies to work on the financial conditions of DISCOMs, with dedicated members placed on the boards of these DISCOMs.</p>
<p>At the recent <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/event/renewables-summit-2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mercom Renewables Summit 2023</a>, P K Sinha, ED (Projects) at <a href="https://www.pfcindia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PFC</a>, spoke about the various steps the government has taken under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to make DISCOMs more efficient.</p>
<p>Sinha said, “Under RDSS, grants worth ₹3.3 trillion (~$40.35 billion) are to be disbursed to state DISCOMs for energy efficiency. But the government has now placed a clause for the DISCOMs to reduce their AT&amp;C losses to 12% from 15% if they were to be eligible for these funds. If the efficiency parameters aren’t achieved, the grants are converted into loans, which has made the utilities more vigilant.”</p>
<p>The criterion for grants also mandates DISCOMs to clear all the due subsidies by the end of every financial year and the accounts to be prepaid.</p>
<p>Endorsing Sinha’s view, Hitesh Paliwal, Senior VP &amp; Zonal Head, North Zone Corporate Banking Group at <a href="https://bank.sbi/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SBI</a>, said, “All the banks under the ministry have been notified to implement these criteria before approving loans for the state DISCOMs, as they approach the banks after state lending institutions turn them away.”</p>
<p>The Ministry of Power has also <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/discoms-allowed-clear-dues-generators-48-installments" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> Late Payment Surcharge Rules, which provide that unless the DISCOMs promptly pay for the power drawn from the interstate transmission system, their access to the power exchange will be blocked.</p>
<p>The RDSS program states that funding under the program will be available only if the DISCOM commits to an agreed loss reduction trajectory.</p>
<p>Sinha said, “The DISCOMs have to sign a trajectory agreement promising a definite reduction in AT&amp;C and ARR-ACS gap. This is then monitored and evaluated every quarter by the Ministry in a review meeting that lasts for two days. The minister and senior officers interact with the utility heads to identify challenges and things that can be done to improve their performance.”</p>
<p>With heavy penalties coming into the picture, DISCOMs have improved their payment mechanism over time, thus benefiting the power generators in the process.</p>
<p>Last year, the Ministry of Power made a series of presentations before the 15th Finance Commission. The Commission provided an additional borrowing window to states considering the steps they took to reduce their DISCOMs losses. Union Power Minister R.K. Singh had <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/power-minister-steps-improve-health-discoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">outlined</a> the steps the government took to help improve the financial health of the DISCOMs in the country.</p>
<p>The Ministry has also recently <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-subsidy-accounting-framework-discoms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">proposed</a> draft provisions in the Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2023, for subsidy accounting and payment and a framework to ensure the financial sustainability of DISCOMs.</p>
<p>The inefficiency of DISCOMs threatens the viability of many renewable energy projects due to delayed payments and renegotiations on power purchase agreements.</p>
<p>While the push to privatize state-owned DISCOMs continues to grow, the government is seen implementing various measures to ensure they stay viable long-term.</p>


Strict Financing Rules & Penalties for Non-Payment Help Improve DISCOMs’ Performance

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