ENGIE, NLC India, Rays Power Among Winners of SECI’s 1.2 GW Solar Plus 3.6 GWh Storage Auction

Textile Firm Agarwal Industries Benefits from Rooftop Solar Switch

NTPC Subsidiary Invites Bids for 7 MW Rooftop Solar Systems in Odisha

EV Charging Firm ROADGRID Raises ₹120 Million in Pre-Series A Round

BIRAC Invites Proposals for Biomass-to-Green Hydrogen Pilot Projects

Trump Withdraws US from Global Climate Pacts, Solar Alliance, and IRENA

POWERGRID Wins 3 GW Renewable Energy Transmission Projects in Karnataka

Daily News Wrap-Up: Andhra Pradesh Approves ₹158 Billion in Clean Energy Projects

PM Green Wins WBSEDCL’s 250 MW/1,000 MWh Standalone BESS Auction

China Issues Guidance on Strengthening Solar Intellectual Property Rights


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					</table><p>The rapid <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase</a> in solar installations under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyaan (PM-KUSUM) in Maharashtra is leading to developers facing high land-leasing costs and delays in project execution. The issue of higher land leasing is most prominent in Maharashtra, as the state accounts for most PM-KUSUM projects in the country. According to KUSUM developers, land costs have risen by 25% to 30% since the program was launched in Maharashtra.</p>
<p>Punjab State Power Corporation <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to procure 500 MW of solar power from projects located anywhere in the country on a long-term basis. The last date to submit the bids is February 16, 2026. Bids will be opened on February 18, 2026. Bidders must submit an earnest money deposit of ₹1 million (~$11,083) and a bid processing fee of ₹300,000 (~$3,325).</p>
<p>The Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids from consultancy firms to assist in finalizing the Grid-Interactive Battery Energy Storage System Regulations, 2026. The last date to submit bids is January 16, 2026. The selected consultant must conduct a detailed study and analysis of other relevant regulations issued by the Central and Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commissions.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">released</a> draft guidelines for implementing the battery pack Aadhaar system, a nationwide digital identification framework designed to ensure end-to-end traceability of battery packs throughout their lifecycle. Battery pack Aadhaar introduces a unique digital identity for every battery pack placed on the market, enabling standardized tracking from manufacturing and usage to repurposing, recycling, or final disposal.</p>
<p>The Government of Tamil Nadu <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extended</a> the 100% exemption from motor vehicle tax for all electric vehicles (EVs) in the state for a further two-year period, from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027. The order provides a complete waiver of motor vehicle tax for both transport and non-transport battery-operated vehicles. Exemption applies to all categories of EVs registered in the state during the validity period and eliminates the requirement to pay any lifetime or upfront motor vehicle tax at the time of registration.</p>
<p>The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the tariff of ₹7.71 million (~$85,634)/MW/annum for procuring power from 1,500 MW of pumped hydro storage projects by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation (UPPCL). The Commission has also approved the pumped hydro storage power purchase agreement executed between UPPCL and JSW Neo Energy PSP Six on April 30, 2025.</p>
<p>Bondada Engineering, a Hyderabad-based engineering, procurement, and construction company, successfully <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">commissioned</a> 120.46 MW of solar projects in December 2025 for Paradigm IT, Maharashtra State Power Generation Company, and NLC India. The projects are located in the Dhule, Amravati, Hingoli, Pathardi, Shevgaon, Kannad, and Dharni districts of Maharashtra, as well as in Neyveli, Tamil Nadu.</p>
<p>Independent power producer Juniper Green Energy <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> ₹20.39 billion (~$245.7 million) in debt financing from a consortium of domestic and global financial institutions to fund the development of its upcoming renewable energy projects. The financing has been secured from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development, HSBC Bank, DBS Bank India, Barclays Bank, and Aseem Infrastructure Finance.</p>
<p>Oriana Power <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/oriana-power-to-raise-%E2%82%B9750-million-through-issue-of-debentures/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the issue and allotment of non-convertible debentures (NCD) aggregating to ₹750 million (~$9.04 million). The company will issue 7,500 rated, unlisted, senior, secured, redeemable, and transferable NCDs, each having a face value of ₹100,000 (~$1,205). The debentures will carry a fixed coupon of 11.65% per annum, with interest payable monthly. The tenor of the instrument is up to 48 months from the deemed date of allotment, and the maturity date will be determined based on the final allotment date and confirmed tenure.</p>
<p>Lineage Power, a material subsidiary of Pace Digitek, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/pace-digiteks-subsidiary-secures-%E2%82%B9943-million-bess-order-from-bsnl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">received</a> a purchase order valued at ₹943.51 million (~$10.46 million) to supply battery modules, racks, and associated accessories to Bharat Sanchar Nigam (BSNL). Under the order, Lineage will supply BSNL with 25,000 100AH/48V lithium-ion battery modules with battery management systems, and 2,500 Ingress Protection 55 racks. The order also includes five years of annual maintenance and a five-year warranty.</p>
<p>Waaree Energy Storage Solutions, a subsidiary of Waaree Energies, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/waaree-energy-secures-%E2%82%B910-billion-for-20-gwh-cell-and-battery-pack-plant/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> ₹10.03 billion (~$111.16 million) in funding from a group of strategic investors, including family offices, high-net-worth individuals, and institutional backers. The funding is part of the ₹100 billion (~$1.1 billion) capital expenditure announced to establish a 20 GWh advanced lithium-ion cell and battery pack manufacturing facility.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: High Land Lease Costs Affect Maharashtra KUSUM Projects


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					</table><p><a href="https://www.vikrangroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vikran Engineering</a>, <a href="https://www.sterlingandwilsonre.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sterling and Wilson Renewable Energy</a>, <a href="https://bondada.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bondada Engineering,</a> and <a href="https://www.kintechsynergy.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kintech Synergy</a> have won orders from NTPC Renewable Energy (NTPC REL) for the balance of system (BoS) works for 1.4 GW of grid-connected solar power projects in Chitrakoot (2 x 400 MW) and Lalitpur (2 x 300 MW) in Uttar Pradesh.</p>
<p>Vikran won the order for the 400 MW solar project in Chitrakoot-1, valued at ₹4.59 billion (~$51.08 million). Sterling and Wilson won the order for 400 MW solar projects in Chitrakoot-2.</p>
<p>Bondada won the order for 300 MW of solar projects in Lalitpur-1, valued at ₹3.91 billion (~$43.52 million). Kintech Synergy won the order for 300 MW solar projects in Lalitpur-2.</p>
<p>The tender was <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ntpc-rel-invites-bids-for-balance-solar-projects/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">floated</a> in December last year.</p>
<p>The projects are located at the Lalitpur and Chitrakoot Solar Parks developed by TUSCO.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must design, engineer, manufacture, install, test, and commission the solar photovoltaic project. NTPC REL will supply the solar modules as free-issue items.</p>
<p>Successful bidders must also install, test, and commission the supplied solar modules. They must grade and clear vegetation at the project site and conduct topographical surveys and geotechnical investigations.</p>
<p>They must design and construct the foundations and erect the fixed-tilt module mounting structures for the solar modules at a 1.45 DC: AC ratio. This responsibility includes installing and interconnecting the modules.</p>
<p>Selected bidders must also arrange the power and water supplies for construction purposes.</p>
<p>India added a solar capacity of 26.6 GW in the first nine months (9M) of the calendar year (CY) 2025, an <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/india-16-gw-solar-capacity-9m-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">increase</a> of 53.7% year-over-year (YoY) from 17.3 GW, according to the <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/product/q3-2025-india-solar-market-update" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Q3 2025 India Solar Market Update</a> Report by Mercom India Research. Large-scale solar accounted for 81.5% of the capacity commissioned in 9M 2025, while rooftop solar contributed 18.5%.</p>
<p>Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://www.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>


Vikran, Sterling Wilson, Bondada, Kintech Bag NTPC REL’s 1.4 GW Solar BoS Orders


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					</table><p>Renewable energy sector experts <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/battery-energy-storage-systems-are-phasing-out-diesel-generators" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opined</a> that battery energy storage systems (BESS) will likely phase out power banking in the coming years. They said BESS has the potential to phase out power banking and reduce the load on distribution companies, as energy storage is likely to become more affordable. Energy storage systems are gaining traction in the open access and rooftop solar segments. However, bundling storage with renewable energy remains an expensive proposition.</p>
<p>NLC India Renewables (NLC India), Bondada Engineering, and Oriana Power <a href="https://mercomindia.com/nlc-bondada-oriana-win-tngecls-500-mw-1000-mwh-bess-auction" target="_blank" rel="noopener">won</a> Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation’s (TNGECL) auction to set up 500 MW/1,000 MWh standalone BESS projects in six locations in Tamil Nadu on a build-own-operate basis. NLC India Renewables won 250 MW/500 MWh at a tariff of ₹248,000 (~$2,880.04)/MW/month, Bondada Engineering won 200 MW/400 MWh at a tariff of ₹246,000 (~$2,856.81)/MW/month, and Oriana Power won 50 MW/100 MWh at a tariff of ₹246,000 (~$2,856.81)/MW/month.</p>
<p>The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/mnre-launches-%E2%82%B923-million-startup-challenge-for-rooftop-solar-innovation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> the Innovative Projects Startup Challenge with a total prize pool of ₹23 million (~$265,650) to encourage innovation in rooftop solar and distributed renewable energy technologies. Applications for the challenge must be submitted by August 20, 2025. Results will be announced on September 10, 2025. The initiative is supported by the National Institute of Solar Energy and coordinated in partnership with StartUp India and the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.</p>
<p>The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission <a href="https://mercomindia.com/merc-orders-refund-of-excess-wheeling-charges-to-wind-power-generator-2#:~:text=The%20Maharashtra%20Electricity%20Regulatory%20Commission,power%20generator%2C%20with%20applicable%20interest." target="_blank" rel="noopener">directed</a> the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL) to refund ₹6.8 million (~$78,351) in wheeling and transmission charges for the September 2021- May 2023 period for a wind power generator, with applicable interest. The petitioner, Serum Institute of India (SIIPL), installed captive generating projects by setting up 29 wind turbine generators and sought open access to its wind-generating units. MSEDCL issued monthly bills to SIIPL for the period from September 2021 to May 2023. However, it levied and recovered the wheeling and transmission charges based on actual gross injection rather than actual energy drawal at the consumption end.</p>
<p>REC Power Development and Consultancy <a href="https://mercomindia.com/recpdcl-invites-bids-to-enhance-western-southern-grid-power-connectivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids for the implementation of a 765 kV interstate transmission system between Parli New, Maharashtra, and Bidar, Karnataka, on a build, own, operate, and transfer basis. Bids must be submitted by August 22, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of work encompasses the survey, design, engineering, financing, land acquisition, right-of-way clearance, permits, construction, testing, and commissioning of the transmission system. It also entails providing operations and maintenance services for 35 years.</p>
<p>NHPC <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/nhpc-invites-bids-to-set-up-5-6-mw-rooftop-solar-projects-in-sikkim" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a request for selection to set up 5.6 MW of rooftop solar projects on government buildings in Sikkim. Bids must be submitted by July 24, 2025. Bids will be opened on July 29. The scope of work entails the design, engineering, procurement and supply of equipment and materials, multi–level inspections, packing and forwarding, erection, testing, and commissioning of the projects. It also involves unloading and storage of equipment at the project site, conducting associated civil works, and obtaining the necessary permits and licenses.</p>
<p>New Delhi-based solar solutions and electric vehicle charger manufacturer Servotech Renewable Power System (Servotech) <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/servotech-acquires-27-stake-in-module-manufacturer-rhine-solar" target="_blank" rel="noopener">entered</a> a definitive agreement to acquire a 27% stake in post-money valuation in solar module manufacturing company Rhine Solar. The cost of the acquisition was not disclosed. This acquisition is part of Servotech’s plan to expand its renewable energy portfolio and enhance its position as a comprehensive solar solutions provider. The company aims to leverage Rhine Solar’s existing infrastructure and expertise in solar module manufacturing to establish a foundation for large-scale module production in the country.</p>
<p>Gurgaon-based ACME Solar Holdings <a href="https://mercomindia.com/acme-secures-%E2%82%B910-72-billion-refinancing-for-250-mw-rajasthan-solar-project" target="_blank" rel="noopener">secured</a> a domestic project finance facility totaling ₹10.72 billion (~$128.38 million) for its wholly-owned subsidiary, ACME Aklera Power Technology. This facility will be used to refinance the debt associated with the company’s 250 MW operational solar project in Rajasthan. The refinancing aims to decrease the project’s financing cost by 95 basis points to an annual rate of 8.5%. The Rajasthan project has been operational for approximately 18 months, with an annual capacity utilization factor of 29.3% in the financial year 2025.</p>
<p>The Bihar State Power Generation Company <a href="https://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 Kaimur/Rohtas district. Bids must be submitted by July 2, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of work encompasses the design, supply, erection, testing, and commissioning of the floating solar project, as well as the construction of a dedicated high-tension line for grid connectivity.</p>
<p>China <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/china-adds-record-93-gw-of-solar-capacity-in-may" target="_blank" rel="noopener">added</a> a record 93 GW of solar power capacity in May 2025, the highest-ever monthly figure. This one-month addition exceeds the cumulative solar installations of many countries. The National Energy Administration reported that China’s electricity consumption in May reached 809.6 TWh, a 4.4% increase year-over-year. The primary industry used 11.9 TWh, the secondary sector consumed 541.4 TWh, the tertiary industry used 155 TWh, and the residential consumption totaled 101.3 TWh.</p>
<p>The 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, according to BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) latest outlook. BNEF forecasts a compound annual growth rate of 14.7% between 2025 and 2035, with yearly additions reaching 220 GW or 972 GWh by 2035. The growth will be driven by traditional markets and large-scale utility projects launched or under construction in countries such as Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Australia, the Netherlands, Chile, Canada, and the UK.</p>


Daily News Wrap-Up: Experts Feel BESS Will Phase Out Power Banking

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