India’s Renewable Energy Capacity Achieves Record Growth in 2024-2025
The Renewable Energy Statistics 2024–25 publication reveals that India’s total installed power generation capacity reached 475.21 GW as of March 31, 2025, marking a substantial increase of 72.18 percent since 2014–15. A major highlight of this transformation has been the rapid expansion of installed capacity under renewable energy sources, which recorded a growth of 170.69 percent over the decade.
CEA Unveils Rs 6.4 Lakh Crore Master Plan for Evacuating 76 GW of Hydro Power in Brahmaputra Basin
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has finalized a Transmission System Master Plan for the evacuation of power from the vast hydroelectric potential in the Brahmaputra Basin. The plan addresses a total exploitable capacity of 76,075.2 MW, including existing hydro projects and planned Pumped Storage Plants (PSPs).
Ministry of Power Approves Panel of Independent Engineers for Hydro Projects
The Ministry of Power has approved a panel of 20 experts to serve as “Independent Engineers” (IEs) for the resolution of contractual disputes in hydro power projects. The panel, which includes former senior executives from NHPC, NEEPCO, NTPC, SJVN, and THDC, is part of the Ministry’s “Dispute Avoidance Mechanism” for projects executed by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under its administrative control.
Government Clarifies Appraisal Process for DPRs of Hydro Projects Exempted from CEA Concurrence
The Ministry of Power has clarified that even if a project falls under the exempted category, the CEA may still carry out the appraisal of DPRs if specifically requested by the developer. This applies to projects submitted both before and after the August 1 notification.
Ministry of Power Waives CEA Concurrence for Pumped Storage Schemes
The Ministry of Power has issued a new notification, that supersedes a previous order from 2006 and introduces new regulations for the establishment of hydro generating stations. The notification, issued in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 8 of the Electricity Act, 2003, states that any scheme for a hydro generating station with an estimated capital expenditure exceeding ₹3,000 crore will require the concurrence of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
CEA Drafts Revised Guidelines for Type Testing of Power Sector Equipment
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released draft revised guidelines for the type testing of major equipment in the electrical power sector. These guidelines aim to establish uniformity in the periodicity of type tests and to reduce the unnecessary repetition of tests, a practice that has caused concern among manufacturers due to its associated costs and time delays. The document emphasizes that the new guidelines are designed to mitigate the uncertainty faced by manufacturers and to alleviate the financial burden on end consumers.
Cabinet Approves ₹8,146 Crore for Tato-II Hydro Electric Project in Arunachal Pradesh
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a significant investment of ₹8,146.21 crore for the construction of the Tato-II Hydro Electric Project (HEP) in Arunachal Pradesh’s Shi Yomi District. The project is expected to be completed within 72 months.
Revised Draft Gazette Notification on Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO) under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001
The Ministry of Power has released a revised draft notification on the Renewable Consumption Obligation (RCO), outlining an ambitious roadmap for designated consumers to increase their share of renewable energy over the next five years. This draft, which supersedes a previous notification from October 20, 2023, specifies mandatory RCO targets for electricity distribution licensees, open access consumers, and captive users, and is now open for stakeholder comments until August 19, 2025.
CERC Amends Regulations for Inter-State Transmission Charges and Losses
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has issued the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Sharing of Inter-State Transmission Charges and Losses) (Fourth Amendment) Regulations, 2025. These regulations modify the existing Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (Sharing of Inter-State Transmission Charges and Losses) Regulations, 2020 (Principal Regulations of 2020). They aim to adapt to the evolving energy landscape and provide clarity on the sharing of inter-state transmission charges and losses, particularly for renewable energy and energy storage systems. The amendments will come into effect upon their publication in the official Gazette.
Ministry of Power Amends Dispute Avoidance Mechanism for Hydro Projects
The Ministry of Power has announced significant amendments to its “Dispute Avoidance Mechanism” for construction contracts within Hydro Power Projects executed by Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs). These revisions, made after consultations with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) and various CPSEs, aim to refine the role and engagement of Independent Engineers (IEs) to prevent disputes and ensure seamless project progression.
MNRE Revises Guidelines for Small Hydro Power Projects to Address Sector Challenges
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has announced revisions to the guidelines for Small Hydro Power (SHP) schemes, initially circulated in 2009 and 2014. This move comes in response to various challenges and difficulties faced by stakeholders in the SHP sector.
CEA Seeks Input on Draft Safety Audit Checklist for Hydro Power Sector
The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has prepared a draft “Safety Audit Checklist” specifically for the Hydro Power Sector. This checklist is designed to monitor compliance with the Central Electricity Authority (Safety Requirements for Construction, Operation and Maintenance of Electrical Plants and Electric Lines) (Amendment) Regulations, 2022. The CEA has invited comments and inputs on this draft document from various stakeholders in the hydro power industry by June 12, 2025.