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Received today β€” 1 February 2026
Received yesterday β€” 31 January 2026

Telangana Charts Vision for 139 GW Power Capacity to Support $3 Trillion Economic Goal by 2047 – EQ

In Short : Telangana has set an ambitious target of achieving 139 GW of power generation capacity by 2047 to support its vision of building a $3 trillion economy. The strategy focuses on expanding renewable energy, strengthening grid infrastructure, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring reliable power supply to drive industrial growth, urban development, and long-term economic sustainability.

In Detail : Telangana has outlined a long-term energy roadmap aimed at achieving 139 GW of installed power generation capacity by 2047, aligning with its broader vision of becoming a $3 trillion economy. This ambitious target reflects the state’s recognition that reliable and affordable electricity is a fundamental driver of economic growth, industrial competitiveness, and social development.

Rapid industrialization, urban expansion, digital transformation, and rising living standards are expected to significantly increase electricity demand in the coming decades. Sectors such as manufacturing, information technology, electric mobility, data centers, and infrastructure development will place growing pressure on the power system, making large-scale capacity expansion a strategic necessity.

Renewable energy is expected to form a major component of Telangana’s future power mix. The state plans to scale up solar, wind, and other clean energy sources to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and meet sustainability goals. This transition also aligns with national climate commitments and supports the shift toward a low-carbon development pathway.

Solar energy is likely to play a dominant role due to Telangana’s strong solar potential and favorable geographic conditions. Utility-scale solar parks, rooftop installations, and distributed generation systems are expected to expand rapidly, contributing significantly to the state’s long-term capacity targets and improving energy access across urban and rural areas.

In parallel, the state is expected to invest heavily in grid infrastructure and transmission capacity. Upgrading substations, expanding transmission corridors, and deploying smart grid technologies will be essential to handle higher power flows and integrate large volumes of renewable energy into the system efficiently and reliably.

Energy storage and flexible generation resources will also become increasingly important in achieving the 139 GW target. As renewable penetration rises, battery storage systems and hybrid projects will help balance supply and demand, manage intermittency, and ensure round-the-clock power availability for critical sectors.

From an economic perspective, the expansion of power capacity will act as a catalyst for industrial growth and investment. Reliable electricity supply reduces operational risks for businesses, attracts domestic and foreign investors, and supports the development of energy-intensive industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and digital services.

Policy support and regulatory reforms will play a key role in realizing this vision. Long-term planning, investor-friendly policies, transparent tariff mechanisms, and public-private partnerships will be necessary to mobilize capital and accelerate project development across conventional and renewable energy segments.

Overall, Telangana’s target of 139 GW power generation capacity by 2047 reflects a forward-looking and growth-oriented energy strategy. By aligning power sector development with economic ambitions, the state is positioning itself to build a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive economy powered by a modern and diversified energy system.

Gujarat Leads India’s Clean Energy Drive, Emerges as Top Renewable Energy State – EQ

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.

Tripura Empowers Households to Generate Income Through Rooftop Solar Power – EQ

In Short : Around 740 households in Tripura are earning additional income by selling surplus solar power to the electricity grid. The initiative highlights the success of rooftop solar adoption and net metering policies, enabling consumers to become energy producers, reduce electricity bills, and contribute to clean energy generation and decentralized power systems.

In Detail : Tripura has emerged as a promising example of decentralized renewable energy adoption, with around 740 households now earning income by selling excess solar power to the electricity grid. This development reflects the growing acceptance of rooftop solar systems and the effectiveness of supportive policies that encourage consumer participation in clean energy generation.

The households have installed rooftop solar photovoltaic systems under government-supported programs aimed at promoting renewable energy at the consumer level. These systems allow households to generate electricity for their own use and export surplus power to the grid, transforming consumers into β€œprosumers” within the energy ecosystem.

Net metering plays a central role in enabling this model. Through net metering mechanisms, electricity exported to the grid is measured and credited against the household’s power consumption, allowing users to receive financial compensation or bill reductions based on the amount of energy they supply.

This arrangement provides direct economic benefits to households by reducing monthly electricity expenses and creating a supplementary income stream. Over time, the savings and earnings can help recover the initial investment in solar installations, making rooftop solar a financially attractive option for residential consumers.

From a system perspective, decentralized rooftop solar reduces pressure on centralized power plants and transmission networks. Local generation helps lower peak demand, reduces transmission losses, and improves overall grid efficiency, especially in geographically dispersed or remote regions.

The initiative also contributes to environmental sustainability by increasing the share of clean energy in the state’s power mix. Each rooftop system reduces reliance on fossil fuel-based electricity, leading to lower carbon emissions and improved air quality at the local level.

The success of these households demonstrates the importance of policy support, financial incentives, and public awareness in driving renewable adoption. Subsidies, simplified approval processes, and technical assistance have played a crucial role in encouraging residents to invest in solar power.

Beyond individual benefits, the program supports broader socio-economic development. It promotes energy self-reliance, encourages community-level participation in clean energy, and builds local capacity in solar installation, maintenance, and technical services.

Overall, the experience of 740 households in Tripura earning income from rooftop solar power highlights the transformative potential of decentralized renewable energy. It shows how clean energy can simultaneously deliver economic empowerment, energy security, and environmental sustainability at the grassroots level.

Rising Silver Prices Push Solar Industry to Rethink Materials and Reduce Dependence – EQ

In Short : Soaring silver prices are creating cost pressures for solar manufacturers, prompting efforts to reduce or replace silver usage in photovoltaic technologies. As silver is a critical input for solar cells, companies are exploring alternative materials, efficiency improvements, and new manufacturing processes to control costs while maintaining performance and supporting large-scale solar deployment.

In Detail : The sharp rise in global silver prices has become a growing concern for the solar industry, as silver is a key raw material used in photovoltaic cell manufacturing. Solar firms are increasingly facing higher production costs, which could impact project economics, equipment pricing, and long-term profitability if material dependency is not addressed.

Silver is primarily used in the conductive paste that forms electrical contacts in solar cells, enabling efficient flow of electricity. Although the amount of silver per cell has reduced over the years through technological improvements, the scale of global solar deployment means overall demand for silver continues to rise significantly.

With silver prices reaching multi-year highs, manufacturers are under pressure to optimize material usage. Rising input costs can reduce margins for module producers and increase capital expenditure for solar developers, particularly in price-sensitive markets where competitive tariffs leave little room for cost escalation.

To manage these risks, solar companies are investing in research and development to reduce silver content in solar cells. Techniques such as thinner conductive lines, improved cell architectures, and more precise manufacturing processes are helping minimize silver usage without compromising electrical efficiency.

Some firms are also exploring alternative materials to partially or fully replace silver. Copper, aluminum, and other conductive metals are being tested as potential substitutes, although challenges remain in terms of durability, efficiency, corrosion resistance, and long-term performance under harsh operating conditions.

Technological innovation is playing a crucial role in this transition. Advanced cell designs such as TOPCon, heterojunction, and back-contact technologies allow more efficient use of conductive materials, enabling manufacturers to achieve higher power output with lower precious metal consumption.

From a strategic perspective, reducing silver dependence is also about long-term supply security. Silver is used across multiple industries, including electronics, electric vehicles, and investment markets, making it vulnerable to supply constraints and speculative price movements that can disrupt solar manufacturing plans.

Policy and market dynamics further influence this shift. As governments push for rapid renewable energy expansion, keeping solar affordable is essential for achieving climate targets. Material cost control becomes a critical factor in maintaining the competitiveness of solar power compared to other energy sources.

Overall, the solar industry’s efforts to cut or replace silver usage reflect a broader trend toward material efficiency and technological resilience. By reducing reliance on expensive and volatile inputs, solar manufacturers can protect project economics, strengthen supply chains, and ensure the continued scalability of solar energy in a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

Manufacturing for Scale, Reliability, and the Next Phase of India’s Solar Growth

31 January 2026 at 08:37

Solar power in India has moved decisively from the margins to the mainstream of the country’s energy planning. With capacity targets rising and decarbonisation timelines tightening, the discussion is no […]

The post Manufacturing for Scale, Reliability, and the Next Phase of India’s Solar Growth appeared first on SolarQuarter.

India Achieves Historic Clean Energy Milestone with 34.6 GW Non-Fossil Capacity Addition in FY26 – EQ

In Short : India added a record 34.6 GW of non-fossil fuel power capacity in the first eight months of FY26, according to the Economic Survey 2026. The achievement highlights rapid progress in renewable energy deployment, strengthening the country’s clean energy transition and reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and building a sustainable power system.

In Detail : India has recorded its highest-ever addition of non-fossil fuel power capacity, with 34.6 GW installed in the first eight months of FY26, as highlighted in the Economic Survey 2026. This milestone reflects the accelerating pace of India’s energy transition and demonstrates strong momentum in the deployment of renewable and clean energy technologies across the country.

The non-fossil capacity addition includes major contributions from solar, wind, hydro, and other renewable sources. Solar energy continues to dominate new installations, supported by falling costs, improved technology, and strong policy backing, while wind power and hydro projects are also contributing to diversifying the clean energy mix.

This rapid capacity growth is a direct outcome of India’s long-term national targets for renewable energy and climate action. The government has set ambitious goals to expand non-fossil fuel capacity and reduce dependence on coal, aligning domestic energy policies with global climate commitments and sustainability objectives.

The record capacity addition highlights strong investor confidence in India’s renewable sector. Domestic and international investors are increasingly channeling capital into clean energy projects, attracted by stable policy frameworks, long-term power purchase agreements, and growing corporate demand for green electricity.

From a grid perspective, the large-scale integration of non-fossil capacity is reshaping how India’s power system operates. Grid operators are increasingly focusing on flexibility, storage solutions, and digital systems to manage variability and ensure reliable power supply amid rising renewable penetration.

The growth in clean capacity also supports India’s energy security by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels. By expanding domestic renewable generation, India can stabilize energy costs, improve trade balance, and enhance resilience against global fuel price volatility.

In addition to environmental benefits, the renewable energy expansion is generating significant economic value. Large-scale projects are creating employment across manufacturing, construction, operations, and maintenance, while also stimulating growth in supporting industries such as energy storage, transmission infrastructure, and digital energy services.

The Economic Survey also reflects a broader structural shift in India’s power sector, where renewables are becoming central to capacity planning and future investments. Clean energy is no longer viewed as a supplementary resource but as the backbone of India’s long-term power strategy.

Overall, the addition of 34.6 GW of non-fossil capacity in FY26 marks a defining moment in India’s clean energy journey. It underscores the country’s ability to scale renewable deployment at record speed and strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading markets for sustainable and low-carbon energy development.

India Must Pivot Renewable Strategy from Capacity Addition to Grid and Manufacturing, Says MNRE Secretary – EQ

In Short : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of MNRE, emphasized that India’s renewable energy focus must evolve from mere capacity addition to strengthening grid infrastructure and domestic manufacturing. He highlighted that integrating renewables efficiently, scaling battery storage, and boosting local manufacturing are critical to sustaining growth, ensuring energy security, and supporting India’s long-term clean energy and decarbonization goals.

In Detail : Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary of the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), stressed that India’s renewable energy strategy needs a fundamental shift. While capacity additions have been impressive, the focus must now move toward strengthening grid infrastructure, integrating distributed energy resources, and building a resilient renewable energy ecosystem that can sustain long-term growth.

Sarangi highlighted that India’s record renewable installations have brought the country to the forefront globally, but challenges remain in grid management, intermittency, and storage. To maintain momentum, India must invest in smart grids, flexible transmission networks, and digital solutions that allow renewable energy to be efficiently integrated without compromising reliability.

Another key area Sarangi emphasized is domestic manufacturing. India’s renewable transition cannot rely solely on imports of solar modules, wind turbines, and batteries. Developing local manufacturing capabilities is essential for energy security, reducing costs, creating jobs, and establishing a self-reliant ecosystem for critical clean energy technologies.

The MNRE Secretary also pointed out the importance of energy storage and hybrid solutions. Battery systems, pumped hydro, and other storage technologies are vital to manage variability, provide grid stability, and ensure that high shares of renewable energy can be delivered consistently to consumers and industries.

Sarangi stressed that policy and regulatory frameworks need to evolve in tandem with technological development. Efficient grid integration, market mechanisms for storage and flexibility, and incentives for domestic manufacturing are essential to ensure that India’s renewable push translates into reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective energy systems.

He also highlighted that the transition from capacity addition to infrastructure focus would create multiple economic benefits. Strengthening grid networks and expanding manufacturing can generate jobs, attract investment, and foster technological innovation, positioning India as a global hub for clean energy solutions.

Sarangi emphasized that decentralized energy, such as rooftop solar, community microgrids, and P2P trading, must be integrated into national planning. This requires modern grid architecture and digital monitoring to enable two-way power flows while maintaining stability across regions with varying generation and consumption patterns.

The Secretary called for a collaborative approach involving industry, academia, financial institutions, and government bodies to accelerate the transition. Investments in R&D, skill development, and advanced manufacturing capabilities are crucial for building a robust and resilient renewable ecosystem capable of meeting India’s ambitious climate and energy targets.

Overall, Sarangi’s message underscores that India’s renewable energy journey must now evolve from quantitative growth to qualitative development. By focusing on grid modernization, energy storage, and domestic manufacturing, the country can achieve a sustainable, secure, and self-reliant energy future while strengthening its leadership in the global clean energy transition.

India’s Energy Transition Enters Complex Execution Phase Amid Carbon Pricing and Grid Reforms – EQ

In Short : India’s energy transition is moving from planning to a complex execution phase, as carbon pricing and grid reforms begin to reshape investment signals. Policymakers and investors are navigating evolving regulatory, financial, and operational frameworks to optimize renewable integration, modernize transmission systems, and balance growth with decarbonization objectives, signaling a critical shift in the country’s clean energy strategy.

In Detail : India’s energy transition is entering a new and complex phase, where implementation challenges are taking center stage. The focus is shifting from setting renewable capacity targets to executing large-scale projects, modernizing grids, and integrating low-carbon solutions into a system historically dominated by fossil fuels. This phase demands careful coordination across technology, policy, and financial domains.

Carbon pricing mechanisms are beginning to influence energy investment decisions. By assigning a cost to carbon emissions, policymakers aim to create financial incentives for low-carbon technologies, encouraging utilities, industrial players, and investors to prioritize renewable generation, energy efficiency, and decarbonization in long-term planning.

Grid reforms are another critical factor reshaping India’s energy landscape. Enhancing transmission infrastructure, introducing digital monitoring, and implementing flexible market mechanisms are essential to handle the variability of renewable power, ensure system stability, and facilitate efficient power flows between regions with uneven generation and demand profiles.

The interplay of carbon pricing and grid reforms is also influencing private sector investment. Investors are increasingly evaluating projects not just on capacity or returns but on carbon impact, regulatory certainty, and the ability to integrate with modernized grid systems, resulting in a more nuanced and sophisticated decision-making process.

Renewable energy integration is now accompanied by operational complexities. High shares of solar, wind, and distributed generation require balancing mechanisms, storage solutions, and responsive market designs. This demands both technical upgrades and strategic planning to maintain reliability while meeting ambitious decarbonization targets.

Financial structures are evolving to match this complexity. New instruments such as green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and hybrid financing are becoming key enablers for large renewable and storage projects, helping investors manage risk while aligning capital allocation with environmental and policy objectives.

Policy coherence is critical in this execution phase. Consistent regulations around tariffs, grid access, carbon pricing, and renewable incentives are essential to provide clarity for developers, reduce delays, and ensure that capital flows into projects that advance India’s energy transition efficiently and effectively.

The execution phase also highlights the importance of skill development and innovation. Grid modernization, storage deployment, and integration of emerging technologies require trained personnel, R&D investment, and operational expertise to implement complex projects safely and sustainably across the country.

Overall, India’s energy transition has moved into a phase where capacity addition is no longer sufficient. The combination of carbon pricing, grid reforms, and evolving investment frameworks is reshaping the sector. Successfully navigating this complex execution environment is critical for achieving energy security, reducing emissions, and building a sustainable and resilient energy ecosystem for the future.

Powering the Digital Grid: India Prepares for a New Era of Peer-to-Peer Electricity Trading – EQ

In Short : India is set to begin pilot projects under the India Energy Stack, starting with peer-to-peer electricity trading. The initiative aims to build a unified digital foundation for the power sector, enabling direct energy transactions between consumers and prosumers, improving data interoperability, supporting renewable integration, and transforming the electricity market into a more transparent, decentralized, and technology-driven ecosystem.

In Detail : India is on the verge of launching the first pilot projects under the India Energy Stack, a national digital initiative designed to modernize the country’s power sector. These pilots mark a critical shift from traditional electricity systems toward a digitally enabled framework where data, transactions, and grid operations are integrated through standardized platforms. The initial focus on peer-to-peer electricity trading reflects a growing emphasis on decentralization and consumer participation in energy markets.

The India Energy Stack is being developed as a comprehensive digital backbone for the entire electricity ecosystem. It seeks to connect utilities, regulators, system operators, power producers, and consumers through common digital protocols. By creating a shared infrastructure for data exchange, the stack aims to eliminate silos, improve coordination, and ensure that all stakeholders can operate within a unified and interoperable system.

At the heart of the first pilot is peer-to-peer power trading, a model that allows electricity to be bought and sold directly between users. Prosumers, such as households and businesses with rooftop solar systems or other distributed energy resources, can sell excess electricity to nearby consumers. This creates a more flexible and market-driven environment, reducing dependence on centralized generation and empowering users to actively participate in the energy economy.

This new trading model has the potential to redefine how electricity flows across the grid. Instead of a one-directional system where power moves only from large generators to end consumers, peer-to-peer trading introduces a multi-directional structure. Electricity can flow between multiple points, enabling local energy balancing, reducing transmission losses, and improving overall grid efficiency through smarter digital coordination.

The pilot projects will also test how regulatory frameworks adapt to this evolving market structure. Electricity regulators and distribution companies are expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that peer-to-peer trading remains secure, transparent, and aligned with grid stability requirements. These pilots will help identify policy gaps, technical challenges, and commercial models needed for wider adoption.

Unlike conventional power exchanges, the India Energy Stack will not function as a centralized trading platform. Instead, it will provide open digital standards and interfaces that private technology companies can use to develop innovative applications. These platforms can offer services such as energy trading, billing, settlement, forecasting, and analytics, creating a competitive digital marketplace around electricity services.

A major advantage of this approach is its potential to significantly enhance renewable energy integration. As solar rooftops, battery storage systems, and electric vehicles become more widespread, the digital stack can enable these resources to interact intelligently with the grid. Prosumers can optimize their energy usage, store surplus power, and sell electricity during peak demand periods, making renewables more economically attractive.

Over time, the India Energy Stack could unlock advanced energy services such as real-time pricing, demand response programs, flexible tariffs, and energy-based financial products. Consumers may gain access to personalized energy plans, while utilities can use data-driven insights to improve planning, reduce losses, and enhance system reliability across urban and rural areas alike.

Overall, the India Energy Stack represents a transformative step toward building a digital-first power sector. By enabling peer-to-peer trading and creating a shared technological foundation, the initiative has the potential to reshape electricity markets, empower consumers, accelerate clean energy adoption, and establish a more resilient, transparent, and future-ready energy ecosystem for India.

India Moves Toward a Digital Power Marketplace with Launch of Energy Stack Pilots – EQ

In Short : India is set to launch pilot projects under the India Energy Stack, beginning with peer-to-peer power trading. The initiative aims to create a unified digital framework for the electricity sector, enabling direct energy transactions, improving interoperability, supporting renewable integration, and transforming the power market into a more transparent, decentralized, and technology-driven ecosystem.

In Detail : India is preparing to roll out the first pilot projects under the India Energy Stack, marking a significant step toward building a digital foundation for the country’s power sector. These pilots signal a shift from conventional electricity systems to a modern, data-driven framework where digital infrastructure plays a central role in how energy is produced, traded, and consumed.

The India Energy Stack is envisioned as a national digital public infrastructure that connects all participants in the electricity ecosystem through standardized digital interfaces. It aims to bring together utilities, regulators, system operators, generators, consumers, and technology providers on a common platform, ensuring seamless data exchange and improved coordination across the sector.

The first major use case under the pilot phase is peer-to-peer power trading, which allows consumers and prosumers to trade electricity directly with each other. This model enables households and businesses with rooftop solar or other distributed energy resources to sell surplus power to nearby users, creating a more participatory and flexible electricity market.

Peer-to-peer trading represents a fundamental change in how electricity flows within the grid. Instead of relying solely on centralized power plants and one-way distribution, energy can now move across multiple points in a decentralized manner. This multi-directional flow enhances local energy balancing, reduces transmission losses, and promotes efficient use of renewable resources.

The pilots are expected to test not only technological readiness but also regulatory adaptability. Distribution companies and electricity regulators will play a key role in ensuring that peer-to-peer transactions are aligned with grid stability, consumer protection, and tariff structures. These trials will help shape future policies and commercial frameworks.

Unlike traditional centralized power exchanges, the India Energy Stack itself will not operate trading platforms. Instead, it will provide open digital standards that private companies can use to build applications for trading, billing, settlement, and analytics. This approach encourages innovation and competition while maintaining interoperability across platforms.

One of the most important benefits of the India Energy Stack is its potential to accelerate renewable energy integration. As distributed energy resources such as solar rooftops, battery storage, and electric vehicles expand, the digital stack can enable smarter coordination between generation and consumption, making clean energy more reliable and economically viable.

Over time, the digital infrastructure could support advanced energy services such as real-time pricing, demand response, flexible tariffs, and consumer-centric energy products. These features can empower users with greater control over their energy usage while helping utilities optimize grid operations through data-driven insights.

Overall, the India Energy Stack represents a transformative shift toward a digital-first electricity ecosystem. By enabling peer-to-peer trading and building a shared technological backbone, the initiative has the potential to reshape power markets, empower consumers, attract private innovation, and create a more resilient, transparent, and future-ready energy system for India.

Telangana Approves Third DISCOM and Accelerates Renewable Energy Expansion Strategy – EQ

In Short : The Telangana Cabinet has approved the creation of a third DISCOM to manage high-demand sectors and unveiled a comprehensive power sector expansion plan. Key measures include procurement of 3,000 MW solar power, development of 10,000 MW pumped storage capacity, new thermal projects, captive power liberalization, and underground power infrastructure for Hyderabad.

In Detail : The Telangana Cabinet has approved the establishment of a third power distribution company as part of a major restructuring of the state’s electricity sector. The decision aims to strengthen power management, improve operational efficiency, and prepare the state for rapidly rising electricity demand driven by urbanization, industrial growth, and expanding irrigation needs.

Currently, electricity distribution in Telangana is handled by two entities, NPDCL and SPDCL. The proposed third DISCOM will exclusively serve high-demand and essential sectors, including agriculture, lift irrigation projects, Mission Bhagiratha drinking water schemes, HMWSSB services, and safe drinking water supply systems.

By separating these critical and high-consumption segments, the government expects to reduce financial and operational stress on existing DISCOMs. This restructuring is intended to improve monitoring, enhance service quality, and ensure uninterrupted power supply to sectors vital for public welfare and economic stability.

The Cabinet conducted a detailed review of the state’s current and future electricity requirements, noting that demand is expected to rise sharply over the next decade. Population growth, industrial expansion, urban development, and irrigation infrastructure are expected to significantly increase overall power consumption.

To address sustainability goals, the government approved floating tenders for procuring 3,000 MW of solar power under time-bound five-year agreements. This move reflects Telangana’s intent to reduce reliance on conventional thermal power and expand its renewable energy footprint.

In parallel, the Cabinet approved plans to procure 2,000 MW of pumped storage power and permitted private investors to develop pumped storage projects. Pumped storage is seen as a key solution for balancing renewable energy variability and strengthening grid stability.

The government also cleared proposals to develop up to 10,000 MW of pumped storage capacity, with the state providing land and water resources. A critical condition is that power generated from these projects must first be offered to Telangana DISCOMs to ensure long-term energy security.

Under its Clean and Green Energy Policy, the Cabinet allowed newly established industries to generate captive power without any capacity limits. This policy aims to promote industrial self-reliance, reduce stress on public grids, and attract greater domestic and foreign investment into the state.

On the conventional front, the Cabinet approved an 800 MW thermal power plant at NTPC Ramagundam and proposed new NTPC units at Palvancha and Maktal. Additionally, Hyderabad will get an underground power cable system costing β‚Ή14,725 crore, improving reliability, safety, and urban infrastructure efficiency.

CERC Orders Payment For 250 MW Solar Project Compensation

31 January 2026 at 05:47

The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) has ruled in favor of Solairepro Urja Private Limited in a long-standing dispute over unpaid compensation. The case, Petition No. 517/MP/2024, involved NTPC Limited […]

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CEA Mandates Strict Use Of Standard Transformer Specifications For Power Utilities

31 January 2026 at 05:32

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), under the Ministry of Power, has issued a formal letter to power utilities across India, stressing that the use of standardized transformer specifications is now […]

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