Daily News Wrap-Up: India’s Peak Power Demand to Reach 459 GW by 2036
CERC adopts tariffs for NTPC’s 1,500 MW solar projects
March 25, 2026
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India’s peak power demand is expected to rise to 459 GW by 2035-36 from 289 GW in 2026-27, according to the Central Electricity Authority’s National Generation Adequacy Plan (2026-27 to 2035-36). The adequacy plan aims to assess India’s generation adequacy mix and suggest initiatives to meet the country’s projected electricity demand for the coming decade.
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) adopted tariffs of ₹2.68 (~$0.0287)/kWh and ₹2.69 (~$0.0288)/kWh for NTPC’s 1,500 MW of interstate transmission system (ISTS)-connected projects. The Commission ruled that the adoption of tariffs is subject to NTPC entering into power purchase agreements with the selected generators and power sale agreements with distribution utilities, and directed the company to place these agreements on record.
The CERC approved tariffs ranging from 2.43 (~$0.0259)/kWh to ₹2.47 (~$0.0263)/kWh discovered by NHPC for its 1,670 MW ISTS-connected solar power projects (Tranche IX). The total capacity comprises 1,170 MW under base allocation and 500 MW under the greenshoe option.
The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) introduced a framework to enhance energy efficiency, manage peak demand, and improve grid reliability through demand-side interventions and demand flexibility measures. The framework mandates distribution companies to adopt energy-saving strategies, optimize consumption patterns, and integrate demand response into resource planning to reduce system costs and infrastructure needs.
KERC issued a discussion paper proposing a generic ceiling tariff of ₹3.24 (~$0.0346)/kWh for wind power projects for the financial year (FY) 2026-27 to FY 2028-29. The proposed tariff is lower than the existing ceiling tariff of ₹3.34 (~$0.0356)/kWh, which is applicable until March 31, 2026.
NTPC Green Energy (NGEL) invited expressions of interest on behalf of NTPC UP Green Energy (NUGEL) to procure renewable energy from its upcoming 100 MW solar project with 50 MW/200 MWh of battery storage in Uttar Pradesh. NUGEL is a joint venture between NGEL and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam, established to develop 2 GW of solar projects in the state.
The Dakshin Gujarat Vij Company, Tata Power Northern Odisha Distribution, Goa Power Department, and Tata Power Central Odisha Distribution were the top-performing state power utilities, according to the Annual Distribution Utilities Rankings for the financial year 2025. The Annual Distribution Utilities Ranking is an initiative of the Ministry of Power and REC that provides a comprehensive assessment of the performance of power distribution utilities nationwide.
Gurgaon-based independent power producer ACME Solar Holdings cumulatively commissioned 155 MW/470.25 MWh of battery storage projects in Rajasthan. Post the commissioning of the 470.25 MWh battery storage projects, the company’s commissioned battery storage capacity stands at 297.67 MW/951.74 MWh.
Metafin, a solar financing platform focused on rural micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and households, has secured a $10 million structured debt facility from global asset-backed credit provider Lendable. The funding will be used to expand Metafin’s access to affordable solar solutions and financing for productive-use solar systems for MSMEs, enterprises, and small businesses across rural India.
Mumbai-based electric mobility company GreenCell Mobility, in partnership with EKA Mobility, received a letter of award to supply and operate 915 electric buses in Hyderabad, Telangana, under the government’s PM E-DRIVE (Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement) program. The project involves a rollout of 100 nine-meter and 815 twelve-meter non-AC standard electric buses to strengthen urban public transport.
The Board of Directors of Waaree Energies approved an investment of ₹1.9 billion (~$20.32 million) in its transformer solutions subsidiary Waaree Transpower, increasing its stake in the company to 75.1%. As of October 7, 2025, Waaree held a 64.04% stake in Waaree Transpower. Waaree will acquire 25.3 million shares at an issue price of ₹75 (~$0.802) per share.
Wind turbine manufacturer Suzlon Group secured a repeat wind turbine order of approximately 100 MW from Gas Authority of India, marking the sixth project between the two companies and the fourth public sector undertaking order won by Suzlon in the financial year 2026. The project, which will be developed in the Nandurbar district of Maharashtra, aims to support the decarbonization of GAIL’s upcoming petrochemical plant.
Renewable energy solutions provider Canadian Solar’s revenue for the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025 declined 20% year-over-year to $1.22 billion, from $1.52 billion the previous year. Revenue was below guidance due to project sales being delayed into 2026 and lower-than-expected volumes in both solar and storage. Revenue from solar module manufacturing during the quarter was $718.59 million, down 23.9% YoY from $944.05 million in Q4 2024.
Solar capacity in the United Arab Emirates is projected to increase from 6.7 GW in 2025 to 32.3 GW by 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate of over 17%, according to GlobalData’s report, “United Arab Emirates Power Market Trends and Analysis by Capacity, Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Regulations, Key Players and Forecast to 2035.”
