In Short : Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading state in renewable energy capacity, according to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi. The state’s strong focus on solar, wind, and hybrid projects, supported by progressive policies and infrastructure development, has positioned Gujarat at the forefront of India’s clean energy transition and sustainable growth agenda.

In Detail : Gujarat has established itself as the leading state in renewable energy development in India, reflecting its long-standing commitment to clean and sustainable power generation. According to Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, the state now tops the country in renewable energy capacity, highlighting the success of its strategic investments and policy-driven approach.

The state’s leadership in renewable energy is driven primarily by large-scale deployment of solar and wind power. Gujarat’s geographic advantages, including high solar irradiation and strong wind corridors, have enabled it to develop some of the country’s largest renewable energy projects, making it a major contributor to India’s green power capacity.

Solar energy forms a central pillar of Gujarat’s renewable strategy. The state has promoted utility-scale solar parks, rooftop solar systems, and decentralized solar installations across urban and rural areas. These initiatives have not only increased generation capacity but also improved energy access and reduced dependence on conventional power sources.

Wind energy has also played a significant role in Gujarat’s renewable growth. The state has been an early mover in wind power development, with extensive onshore wind farms and increasing interest in hybrid wind-solar projects that optimize land use and grid connectivity. This diversified renewable portfolio strengthens overall system resilience.

Policy support has been a key enabler of Gujarat’s success. Investor-friendly regulations, streamlined approval processes, and long-term renewable energy policies have attracted private sector participation and accelerated project implementation. These measures have created a stable and predictable environment for renewable energy developers.

Infrastructure development has further supported the state’s clean energy expansion. Investments in transmission networks, substations, and grid integration technologies have enabled efficient evacuation of renewable power from generation sites to demand centers, ensuring minimal losses and improved system reliability.

Gujarat’s renewable leadership has also generated significant economic benefits. The sector has created employment opportunities, attracted domestic and foreign investment, and supported the growth of allied industries such as equipment manufacturing, engineering services, and clean technology innovation.

From an environmental perspective, the expansion of renewable energy has helped Gujarat reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. Increased use of clean power supports national climate goals and contributes to India’s commitment to achieving long-term sustainability and energy security.

Overall, Gujarat’s position as the top renewable energy state reflects a comprehensive and future-oriented energy strategy. Through a combination of natural advantages, strong policy frameworks, and sustained investment, the state has emerged as a model for renewable energy development and a key driver of India’s clean energy transition.

In Short : At India Energy Week 2026, policymakers and industry leaders highlighted how policy certainty, declining renewable energy costs, and rapid technology adoption are accelerating India’s hydrogen and clean fuel ecosystem. The discussions underscored strong government support, increasing private investment, and growing infrastructure development, positioning green hydrogen, biofuels, and alternative fuels as key pillars of India’s energy transition and long-term decarbonisation strategy.

In Detail : Leadership Spotlight session examines investment readiness, demand creation and global partnerships

India’s green hydrogen goals are moving decisively from ambition to execution, driven by competitive pricing, long-term demand creation and sectoral integration, Abhay Bakre, Mission Director, National Green Hydrogen Mission, said at the Leadership Spotlight Session on the third day of India Energy Week 2026.

Speaking on the Resilience Stage at the session titled Scaling Green Ammonia: Value Chain Synergies and the Hydrogen Ecosystem, Bakre said India’s target of producing 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030 has found impetus through successful price discovery, enabling projects to advance toward final investment decisions.

“These three years—2025, 2026 and 2027—are very important for the ecosystem to actually act as a launchpad”, said Bakre. He added that green hydrogen and ammonia prices are increasingly approaching parity with conventional alternatives, a crucial development towards large-scale domestic adoption and exports.

From a technology and industry perspective, Gary Godwin, Vice President, Sustainable Technology Solutions and Global Lead, Critical Minerals, KBR said that green ammonia technologies are now commercially viable and capable of operating at global scale. He noted that the next priority is building robust supply chains and long-term offtake arrangements to unlock deployment across power, shipping and heavy industry.

Speaking on market development, Dr. R K Malhotra, President, Hydrogen Association of India, emphasised that India’s competitive renewable energy prices and emerging electrolyser manufacturing base are creating a strong foundation for green hydrogen and ammonia scale-up.

Offering an international policy perspective, Han Feenstra, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, Kingdom of the Netherlands said that European hydrogen markets are shifting toward demand mandates and import frameworks. He added that the development is opening long-term opportunities for reliable partners like India, whose cost competitiveness and policy clarity make it a natural contributor to Europe’s decarbonisation ambitions.

About India Energy Week

India Energy Week is the country’s flagship global energy platform, bringing together government leaders, industry executives and innovators to accelerate progress toward a secure, sustainable and affordable energy future. As a neutral international forum, IEW drives investment, policy alignment and technological collaboration shaping the global energy landscape.

In Short : The Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 aims to modernise India’s power sector by introducing competition in electricity distribution, improving the financial health of DISCOMs, ensuring cost-reflective tariffs, and strengthening regulatory frameworks. The Bill seeks to enhance consumer choice, promote efficiency, attract private investment, and support India’s clean energy transition while ensuring reliable and affordable power for all.

In Detail : Central Government has issued the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, proposing comprehensive reforms in the power sector. The draft Bill seeks to take measures for financial sustainability, promote competition, strengthen regulatory accountability, and accelerate India’s transition towards non-fossil fuel–based electricity generation, in alignment with the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047. The key reforms proposed are outlined below:

i. Financial Viability: The financial sustainability of distribution licensees is critical for reliable and affordable electricity. The proposed amendments mandate cost-reflective tariffs, empower Commissions to determine tariffs suomotu effective 1st April each year.

ii. Economic Competitiveness: High industrial tariffs, cross-subsidies, and rising procurement costs have weakened industrial competitiveness. The proposed reforms aim to rationalise tariffs, unlock demand, reduce costs, and enhance India’s economic productivity and global competitiveness.

iii. Energy Transition: To achieve 500 GW of non-fossil capacity by 2030, the amendments propose empowering CERC to introduce market-based instruments to attract investment and accelerate renewable capacity addition. Enforceable non-fossil energy obligations are also proposed to align the Electricity Act with the Energy Conservation Act.

iv. Ease of Living and Ease of Doing Business: The amendments propose uniform national standards of service to improve supply quality and accountability. Consumer-friendly measures include capping assessment for unauthorised use to one year, and reducing appeal pre-deposit requirements.

v. Regulatory Strengthening: To enhance accountability and efficiency, it is proposed that Governments may refer complaints against CERC and SERC Members, with expanded grounds for removal. A 120-day timeline is proposed for adjudicatory decisions, and the strength of APTEL is proposed to be increased to address pendency.

vi. Other Reforms: Powers for installation and maintenance of electric lines are proposed to be transitioned from the repealed Telegraph Act, 1885 into the Electricity Act, 2003, with States framing compensation framework. To reduce network duplication and costs, distribution licensees are proposed be permitted to supply electricity through shared networks, subject to regulatory approval and charges.

Upon enactment, the provisions of the Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 shall apply uniformly across all States, including Maharashtra.

Subsidies for specified consumer categories including tribal households may continue to be transparently funded by the State Government under Section 65, without compromising the financial sustainability of power sector.

The stakeholders comments on the draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025 were invited on 9th October, 2025. The bill is currently in consultation stage and extensive consultation with different categories of stakeholders is in process.

This Information was given by The Minister of State in the Ministry Of Power , Shri Shripad Naik, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

In Short : GoodEnough Energy has commissioned India’s largest battery energy storage system, representing a significant advancement in the country’s clean energy infrastructure. The project enhances grid stability, supports large-scale renewable integration, and demonstrates the growing maturity of domestic energy storage capabilities critical to India’s energy transition.

In Detail : GoodEnough Energy has commissioned India’s largest battery energy storage system, marking a landmark achievement in the nation’s journey toward a more resilient and flexible power grid. The project underscores the rapidly expanding role of energy storage as renewable energy capacity grows and the need for grid balancing solutions becomes increasingly important.

The large-scale battery storage system is designed to store surplus electricity and release it during periods of high demand, helping to smooth fluctuations in power supply. Such capability is essential for managing the variability associated with solar and wind generation and ensuring reliable electricity delivery to consumers.

By strengthening grid stability, the commissioned system enables higher penetration of renewable energy without compromising reliability. Energy storage plays a critical role in reducing curtailment of renewable power and improving overall system efficiency, making clean energy assets more effective and economically viable.

The project also highlights the growing technical and manufacturing capabilities within India’s energy storage sector. The successful commissioning of a system of this scale reflects increasing confidence in domestic solutions to meet complex grid requirements and support national energy objectives.

From a system operations perspective, the battery storage facility can provide multiple ancillary services, including frequency regulation, peak shaving, and reserve support. These services enhance grid resilience, particularly during sudden changes in demand or generation patterns.

The commissioning aligns closely with India’s broader clean energy and decarbonisation goals, which emphasise the integration of enabling technologies such as storage, advanced transmission systems, and smart grids. Battery energy storage is emerging as a cornerstone of efforts to achieve round-the-clock renewable power.

For policymakers and market participants, the project serves as a demonstration of the commercial and technical viability of large-scale storage solutions. It is expected to encourage further investment and innovation in both standalone and hybrid energy storage projects across the country.

The presence of large battery systems also supports the development of competitive power markets by enabling better price arbitrage and demand-side management. This can contribute to more efficient market outcomes and improved utilisation of generation assets.

Overall, the commissioning of India’s largest battery storage system by GoodEnough Energy represents a transformative step for the power sector. By enhancing grid flexibility, supporting renewable integration, and showcasing domestic capability, the project strengthens the foundation for a cleaner, more reliable, and future-ready energy system.

In Short : Juniper Green Energy has commissioned a 100 MWh merchant battery energy storage system in Rajasthan, marking a significant milestone in India’s energy storage journey. The project enhances grid flexibility, supports renewable integration, and demonstrates the growing commercial viability of standalone storage assets in stabilising power supply and managing demand variability.

In Detail : Juniper Green Energy has successfully commissioned a 100 MWh merchant battery energy storage system in Rajasthan, representing a major advancement in India’s evolving power and storage ecosystem. The project highlights the increasing role of large-scale energy storage in supporting grid stability as renewable energy penetration continues to rise across the country.

The newly commissioned battery energy storage system operates on a merchant basis, allowing it to respond dynamically to market signals and grid requirements. By charging during periods of surplus power and discharging during peak demand, the system helps balance supply and demand while improving overall grid efficiency.

Rajasthan, with its large renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar and wind, provides an ideal setting for grid-scale storage deployment. The BESS is expected to play a crucial role in managing the intermittency associated with renewable generation and ensuring a more reliable flow of electricity to consumers.

Energy storage systems like this enable better utilisation of renewable assets by reducing curtailment and smoothing fluctuations in power generation. By absorbing excess energy and releasing it when needed, the project supports higher renewable integration without compromising grid reliability.

The commissioning of a merchant BESS also reflects growing confidence in the commercial and regulatory frameworks surrounding energy storage in India. It signals a shift toward market-driven storage solutions that can operate independently of long-term power purchase agreements while still delivering grid value.

From a system operations perspective, the storage facility can provide multiple services, including peak shaving, frequency regulation, and reserve support. These capabilities enhance grid resilience, particularly during periods of high demand or sudden changes in generation patterns.

The project aligns with India’s broader energy transition goals, which emphasise clean energy growth supported by enabling infrastructure such as storage, advanced transmission, and smart grid technologies. Battery storage is increasingly seen as a cornerstone for achieving round-the-clock renewable power.

For developers and investors, the commissioning demonstrates the technical and economic feasibility of large-scale storage projects in the Indian market. It is expected to encourage further investments in standalone and hybrid storage solutions across renewable-rich states.

Overall, Juniper Green Energy’s 100 MWh merchant BESS in Rajasthan represents a meaningful step toward a more flexible, reliable, and future-ready power system. By strengthening grid operations and supporting renewable energy integration, the project contributes to building a resilient energy infrastructure aligned with India’s long-term sustainability objectives.

In Short : Crisil Ratings projects that thermal power’s share in India’s electricity generation capacity will fall below 70% by FY27, driven by rapid growth in renewable energy. Strong policy support, falling clean energy costs, and rising investments in solar, wind, and storage are accelerating diversification of the power mix, reshaping India’s long-term energy landscape.

In Detail : India’s power sector is poised for a significant structural transition, with thermal power’s share in the generation mix expected to decline below 70% by FY27. This shift reflects the accelerating pace of renewable energy additions and a gradual rebalancing of the country’s energy portfolio toward cleaner and more sustainable sources.

Thermal power, primarily coal-based, has historically dominated India’s electricity generation due to its reliability and ability to provide base-load power. However, sustained capacity additions in solar and wind energy, combined with supportive government policies, are steadily reducing the relative dominance of thermal generation in the overall capacity mix.

The rapid expansion of renewable energy capacity is being driven by competitive tariffs, improved technology, and strong investor interest. Solar and wind projects are increasingly cost-effective compared to new thermal capacity, making them attractive options for meeting incremental power demand while aligning with climate and sustainability objectives.

Policy initiatives have played a critical role in this transition, with long-term renewable targets, production-linked incentives, and facilitative regulatory frameworks encouraging large-scale clean energy deployment. These measures have created visibility for developers and lenders, supporting consistent growth in renewable installations across the country.

Despite the declining share, thermal power will continue to play a crucial role in ensuring grid stability and meeting peak demand, especially as renewable energy remains intermittent. Existing thermal assets are expected to focus on flexible operations, improved efficiency, and lower emissions to complement the growing share of renewables.

The increasing penetration of renewable energy is also driving investments in supporting infrastructure such as transmission networks, energy storage systems, and grid management technologies. These additions are essential to integrate variable renewable power smoothly and maintain reliability as the energy mix evolves.

From a financial perspective, the changing generation mix is influencing investment patterns and risk assessment in the power sector. While renewable projects benefit from long-term visibility and stable cash flows, thermal assets face greater scrutiny around utilisation levels, environmental compliance, and long-term viability.

Power demand growth in India remains strong, supported by urbanisation, industrial expansion, and rising electrification across sectors. This growing demand provides room for both renewable and thermal generation, even as the relative share of thermal capacity declines in the overall mix.

Overall, the expected fall of thermal power’s share below 70% by FY27 signals a decisive step in India’s energy transition. The evolving power mix highlights a balanced approach that combines rapid renewable growth with the continued, though gradually reduced, role of thermal power in ensuring energy security, affordability, and grid stability.

In Short : At the third Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) meeting in Kochi, chaired by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the government approved projects worth over ₹1,500 crore to accelerate green mobility, strengthen cargo transport logistics, and expand river tourism on India’s inland waterways. Key initiatives include new terminals, hybrid vessels, cruise jetties, and infrastructure upgrades across multiple states.

In Detail : “IWDC Platform Reinforces Centre-State Push for Inland Water Transport Development:” Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal

IWDC Clears ₹900-Crore New Inland Waterway Projects

₹465-Crore Asset Procurement Approved to Enhance Inland Water Transport Capacity

New Delhi, 23 January 2026: The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) concluded in Kochi, Kerala, with a comprehensive roadmap to expand India’s inland water transport network, approve major infrastructure investments, and strengthen Centre–State coordination to unlock the full economic potential of the country’s rivers.

Chaired by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, the day-long meeting was also attended by Mukesh Agnihotri, Deputy Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh; Sharwan Kumar, Minister of Transport, Government of Bihar; K. G. Kenye, Minister of Power and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of Nagaland; Ojing Tasing, Minister of Rural Development, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Daya Shankar Singh, Minister of Transport, Government of Uttar Pradesh and Barinder Kumar Goyal, Minister of Water Resources, Government of Punjab. The meeting marked a significant milestone in India’s journey towards strengthening inland water transport as a key pillar of sustainable and efficient logistics.

IWDC 3.0 identified projects worth more than ₹1,500 crore, aimed at accelerating green mobility, strengthening multimodal logistics and promoting river-led economic development. Foundation stones were laid for projects exceeding ₹150 crore, including river cruise jetties in Kerala, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha and Telangana, supporting the expansion of cruise tourism circuits across the country.

The council was apprised about the development of Ro-Ro and cargo terminals at Muktyala and Harishchandrapuram on the Krishna River (NW4) in Andhra Pradesh, which will strengthen cargo movement. Onshore facilities on the Jhelum River (NW49) in Jammu and Kashmir were also approved to support passenger movement and tourism infrastructure. A total of 10 hybrid electric vessels will be deployed on NW 49 in Jammu & Kashmir.

Asset procurement worth over ₹465 crore was also announced to enhance navigability, safety and year-round operations. These include survey vessels in Kerala; Ro-Pax berthing jetties in Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal; floating pontoons and quick-opening mechanisms in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal; hybrid survey vessels; amphibian and cutter suction dredgers; and tug-barge units.

The council was appraised about the major new projects worth over ₹900 crore, including development of a slipway facility at Kochi, construction of 110 jetties across Odisha (25) and the Northeast (85), and implementation of the National River Traffic and Navigation System (NRTNS) in Maharashtra, development of a ₹70-crore cruise terminal at Uzan Bazar Ghat in Guwahati and a ₹144-crore approach road connectivity project to the Bogibeel River Port in Dibrugarh on Brahmaputra (NW-2).

Addressing the council, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that inland waterways have emerged as a strategic pillar of India’s transport and logistics transformation under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “Our dynamic Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji has given special impetus to inland waterways, which has eased congestion on roads, reduced logistics costs and strengthened ease of doing business. Today, under the visionary leadership of Modi ji, inland waterways have become a strategic pillar of India’s multimodal logistics framework. Guided by this vision, rivers are no longer viewed merely as natural resources but as economic lifelines driving growth, sustainability and connectivity,” he said.

Kerala’s vast backwater and canal network was highlighted as a major opportunity for inland waterways. The council also noted about the initiative of IWAI for conducting feasibility study for urban water transport in 18 cities including Guwahati, Varanasi, Patna, Tezpur, Dibrugarh and beyond.

Kerala emerged as a key focus area at IWDC 3.0 with a series of major announcements aimed at strengthening inland water transport and logistics in the state. The Jal Vahak cargo promotion scheme is being explored to be expanded to other National Waterways including Kerala, offering reimbursement of up to 35% of the total operating expenditure incurred on cargo movement through inland waterways. The scheme is expected to encourage private participation by enabling cargo owners to hire vessels operated by entities other than IWAI or ICSL, making it particularly attractive for major shipping companies, freight forwarders, trade bodies and operators handling bulk and containerised cargo. Valid initially for three years, the initiative will help optimise supply chain networks and enhance the commercial viability of water-based logistics. At IWDC, it was also announced the commencement of Fixed Day Scheduled Sailing Services on commercially viable stretches to demonstrate the readiness of waterways as an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable mode of cargo transport. The Kerala package also includes the development of river cruise jetties and the induction of one survey vessel, further strengthening the state’s capacity for passenger movement, tourism and safe navigation.

The meeting reiterated that inland waterways remain the most fuel-efficient, cost-effective and environment-friendly mode of transport, helping reduce carbon emissions, decongest roads and railways, and lower overall logistics costs. River cruise tourism was identified as one of the fastest-growing segments of the maritime economy, with the government developing modern cruise terminals, improved navigation systems and dedicated cruise circuits.

“Under the dynamic leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India’s inland waterways are emerging as a powerful multiplier of green growth, digital transformation and tourism-led development. With rapid expansion in cargo movement, passenger services and cruise tourism, our rivers are becoming engines of sustainable mobility and economic opportunity. By integrating clean energy vessels, smart navigation systems and world-class passenger infrastructure, we are unlocking the full potential of waterways to reduce logistics costs, cut emissions and create new livelihoods. The success of initiatives such as the Kochi Water Metro shows how rivers can transform urban mobility, and we are committed to replicating this model across cities including Guwahati, Varanasi, Patna, Tezpur and Dibrugarh, ensuring that India’s waterways drive inclusive growth on the path to Viksit Bharat,” Sonowal added.

Special emphasis was placed on the Northeast region, where waterways projects are expected to significantly boost connectivity, trade, tourism and livelihoods of riverine communities. The government plans to develop 85 jetties across the Northeast with an investment exceeding ₹500 crore, strengthening regional logistics integration.

“The Northeast holds a central place in India’s inland waterways vision. With its vast river network, the region has the potential to emerge as a major hub for sustainable transport, trade and tourism. The development of 85 jetties with an investment of over ₹500 crore will significantly strengthen connectivity, integrate regional logistics and create new livelihood opportunities for riverine communities. Inland waterways will not only bring the Northeast closer to national markets but also unlock its role as a gateway for growth, prosperity and regional integration,” said Sarbananda Sonowal.

The meeting reviewed the sector’s rapid expansion over the past decade. Cargo movement on national waterways has increased from 18 million tonnes in 2013-14 to 145.84 million tonnes in 2024-25, while the number of operational national waterways has grown tenfold from 3 to 32. The number of luxury river cruise vessels has increased from 5 to 25, highlighting the growing confidence of industry, investors and state governments. The number of operational terminals has gone from 15 to 25, and floating jetties from 30 to 100.

The council reaffirmed the government’s forward-looking priorities, including the deployment of green and hybrid vessels, expansion of digital navigation and traffic management systems, development of modern inland terminals, strengthening of shipbuilding and ship-repair facilities, and promotion of maritime skill development. The meeting also featured detailed deliberations on building resilient urban water transport systems, improving cargo transport efficiency, promoting green and hybrid vessels for passenger movement, expanding river cruise tourism and strengthening digital and sustainable practices. Regulatory issues and concerns raised by states regarding ongoing and proposed inland water transport projects were reviewed, with an emphasis on expediting execution through coordinated efforts. IWDC 3.0 builds on the foundations laid during IWDC 1.0 in 2024 and IWDC 2.0 in 2025, with a strong focus on sustainability, technology-driven solutions and accelerated project execution.

The meeting was also attended by Vijay Kumar, Secretary, MoPSW; Sunil Paliwal, Chairperson, IWAI; Sunil Kumar Singh, Vice Chairman, IWAI among other senior officials of the central and state governments, industry representatives and experts to review progress made since IWDC 1.0 and 2.0 and chart the next phase of growth for inland waterways. The day-long meeting reviewed sectoral achievements, announced major investments and projects and laid out a forward-looking roadmap for the development of inland waterways across the country.

IWDC 3.0 concluded with a shared commitment by the Centre and states to scale up inland water transport, strengthen regional connectivity, promote cleaner transport solutions and position rivers as engines of economic growth. The meeting reaffirmed inland waterways as a preferred, future-ready mode of transport for both cargo and passengers, contributing to cleaner transport, smarter logistics and a stronger India.

India’s inland waterways continue to play a crucial role in decongesting road and rail networks by offering a fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly mode of transport. With 111 national waterways spread across 23 states and four union territories, inland waterways are increasingly supporting initiatives such as Ro-Ro vehicle movement and cruise tourism. IWAI, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, remains the nodal agency responsible for the development, maintenance and regulation of national waterways.