All the news items since the launch of our web site are preserved in the archive section. The archive entries are freely accessible to all the users.
Jun 2025
SEVENTH EXTENSION FOR 120 MW HYDRO TENDER SIGNALS PROLONGED BIDDER HESITATION
8A state utility’s 3x40 MW underground hydropower EPC tender has now been extended for the seventh time, pushing submission to early July.
8The consistent delays suggest persistent pre-bid ambiguity or low vendor turnout amid Himalayan terrain risks.
8The 120 MW hydro project is fully underground—powerhouse, adits, shaft but also includes a surface switchyard in the same tender.
8Such a hybrid packaging layout is relatively rare and may demand dual-expertise bidding teams.
Flameouts and tube bursts sideline 10 GW thermal fleet in a single day
8Over 10 GW of thermal and nuclear capacity went offline on 12 June alone, driven by flame failures at Ghatampur, tube leaks at Daripali, Tanda, Kahalgaon and relay issues at Panki and Lalitpur. The outages compound persistent derating in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh belts
18 units synchronized back within 24 hours amid summer grid stress
8Despite widespread outages, at least 18 units including Kakrapara, Neyveli TPS-II, Panki, Painampuram, and Dholpur were returned to grid service on 12 June. Recommissioning data confirms fast-track maintenance clearances across North and South grids
Gas-based stations face widespread RSD as costly fuel meets low demand
8Multiple gas-fired units like Gandhar, Kawas, Dadri, and Auraiya were switched off due to conservation protocols, low irrigation load, or high variable costs showcasing systemic underutilization of over 7 GW gas capacity
Water wall tube failures persist across six thermal clusters
8Tube leakage remained a dominant fault on 12 June, taking down major units in Anpara, Rajiv Gandhi TPS, Kahalgaon, Kolaghat, and Rayalaseema. Several sites logged recurring water wall damage in under 30 days, signaling systemic thermal stress
Chandrapur, Bellary, Udupi log extended RSD runs amid low schedules
8Thermal units in Maharashtra and Karnataka continue in prolonged reserve shutdown due to weak scheduling. Chandrapur’s unit has been out since January, and Udupi’s two units have idled since May, raising cost recovery concerns
Aggregate outage crosses 43 GW across thermal, nuclear and hydro fleets
8Total unavailable capacity on 12 June spiked to over 43 GW across generation types, with thermal alone contributing 32.8 GW. Outages constituted nearly 14.6% of the national monitored capacity, reducing operating reserve cushion
Southern generators see dual outage blow from equipment faults and low schedule
8Yadadri, Simhapuri, and Kothagudem plants were simultaneously hit by economizer leaks, milling failures, and grid-linked shutdowns. Tamil Nadu and Telangana accounted for over 2 GW offline due to unplanned and forced outages
Plant load factor struggles as daily thermal generation misses by 6%
8Against a scheduled 5,086 MUs on 12 June, thermal actuals fell short at 4,857 MUs, reflecting both outage impact and derated operations. Cumulative shortfall in 2025-26 stands at over 43,000 MUs dragging nationwide PLF metrics
NTPC’s northern and eastern fleets log highest generation deviation
8Data from NTPC-monitored plants show a deviation of -10.17% in northern and -14.57% in eastern regions. The shortfall translates into nearly 5,000 MUs missed in these two zones alone since April 2025
Nuclear deration intensifies with 2,340 MW offline and 26% outage ratio
8CEA reports confirm 2,340 MW of nuclear capacity was out on 12 June, amounting to a 26.65% outage rate. Though Kakrapara returned to grid that day, the national nuclear fleet continues to operate below optimal efficiency levels
Click on Details for more
BIOMASS SUPPLY TENDER DRAWS 55 BIDDERS FOR 1-YEAR THERMAL BLENDING PLAN
8The agro-based pellet procurement linked to a large state thermal unit has attracted an unusually wide vendor base.
8With a full year of supply commitment and coal handling interface, the bid signals strong private sector interest in biomass substitution.
8A record 55 entities passed technical screening for a biomass blending tender tied to a 1 GW-plus coal-fired unit. The interest spans biofuel aggregators, SMEs, and emerging agri-energy firms across India
SUBSTATION PACKAGE RAISES BAR WITH INTEGRATED 400/220 KV ICT DESIGN
8The latest AIS substation package demands full-scope delivery of 500 MVA ICTs and associated bays across two voltage levels—unlike earlier line-focused packages.
8This shift to transformer-centric EPC marks a tighter integration of bay, protection, and control layouts.
8The tender defines minimum creepage distance and RIV thresholds across all voltage classes from 33 kV to 765 kV even though the project targets 400/220 kV.
8This pre-empts future upgrades and matches global high-voltage standards.
GREEN HYDROGEN-LINKED WTP TENDER SEEKS 25-YEAR LIFECYCLE PERFORMANCE UNDER EPC+O\&M MODE
8A major central PSU's renewable arm has floated a comprehensive EPC bid for a 10 MLD water treatment plant supporting a green hydrogen project in India.
8The scope includes 10 years of O&M and technical guarantees for 25-year lifecycle reliability suggesting criticality to process continuity.
8The 10 MLD tender also mandates 2 MLD of high-purity DM water and 1 KLD of WHO-grade potable water.
8This reflects early integration of process-specific water requirements vital for large-scale electrolysis.
8Contractors must build a nitrogen-capped DM water tank and install electro-deionization (EDI) systems marking an unusual spec for a water infra project, tailored to hydrogen-grade purity standards.
8The WTP design hinges on tapping a 500NB underground HDPE/DI line, reducing capex on fresh water drawal structures. With a max depth of 2.5m and route less than 2.5 km, site logistics get tightly defined.
Ramp-rate data non-compliance stalls ISGS performance certification
8Ramping performance for thermal ISGSs remains uncertified even at the 227th SRPC meeting due to SRLDC’s continued use of outdated 2020 guidelines that do not comply with the 2024 Tariff Regulations. Despite repeated reminders, including the last SRPC letter dated 19.02.2025, the NLDC has not issued updated certification protocols. This regulatory gap affects the calculation of RoE incentives and penalties under Clause 30(3)(iii).
Talcher-Kolar HVDC link risks failure: 6 transformers flagged critical
8The reliability of the 2000 MW Talcher-Kolar HVDC link is under threat as three converter transformers have shown fault gas patterns similar to earlier failures. With three out of twelve units already failed and the remaining spares nearing end of life, OEMs have warned of irreversible degradation. However, a Rs 670 crore proposal to replace all 12 transformers remains mired in procedural delays.
TNPDCL withholds Rs 455 Cr despite APTEL dismissal of appeal
8Although APTEL dismissed TNPDCL’s appeal on 20.11.2024 regarding classification of the Pugalur–Thrissur HVDC system as a national asset, the utility continues to withhold Rs 455.46 crore. TNPDCL is demanding a fresh billing cycle despite the binding nature of earlier invoices, resulting in billing pool anomalies.
Grid-India’s Rs 190 Cr DSM double-count triggers accounting dispute
8A Rs 190.78 crore legacy deficit from the Northern Region (Apr–Sep 2024) has been incorrectly re-added to the DSM pool post 16.09.2024. APPCC has objected, stating that this artificially inflates deficits and could lead to unjustified claims. The approach also deviates from the previous Rs 3,142 crore legacy settlement method.
Deviation rate data silently changed; RPCs not informed
8For the weeks ending 29.12.2024 and 09.02.2025, the Normal Deviation Rate published by NLDC was revised post-publication without informing RPCs. This non-transparent practice undermines auditability, prompting SRPC to formally request advance alerts. Additional issues like Excel formatting errors (e.g., dates displayed as “45706”) further hamper usability.
AUFLS Stage-4 remains non-operational in key SLDCs
8Despite clear directives, Stage-4 AUFLS logic is still inactive in multiple states, notably WBSEDCL, even as utilities like CESC report full SCADA compliance. A recent frequency drop to 49.42 Hz on 9 April 2025 highlights the risks of this critical gap in under-frequency response readiness.
TRAS participation from Eastern region still absent
8Following CERC order 2/SM/2025, TRAS implementation remains pending in the Eastern Region. Neither generators nor SLDCs have submitted test schedules or baseline data for audit, delaying efforts to improve inter-regional frequency resilience between NR, ER, and SR corridors.
Bihar receives unallocated MAPS power without PPA or LC
8Since 25.05.2025, Bihar has been drawing power from MAPS Unit 2 without having a valid Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or payment security mechanism like an LC in place. NPCIL has raised the issue with SRPC, citing the absence of commercial settlement records and audit trail despite repeated reminders.
Click on Details for more
SOLAR TENDER EXTENDS DEADLINE AGAIN
8The competitive bidding window for a 2–20 MW raised-structure solar project in India on private ponds has seen its submission date pushed to June 19 for the 11th time
8A recent large-scale tender for solar PV over water bodies introduces a model that lets landowners continue aquaculture beneath elevated panels, offering an innovative dual revenue stream
FROM PAYOUT TO PIPE REROUTING: BHEL CODIFIES RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY ZONES FOR 800 MW BOP
8Multiple bidders requested early release of 2–4% milestone payments at commissioning, citing cash flow concerns.
8BHEL rejected these appeals, maintaining that disbursements will follow PG test completion and certification raising working capital exposure during the final phase.
8Contradictions between TCC and Scope Matrix on HT motors, sump pumps, and civil works in BTG zones are now clarified.
8Rev-01 matrix will prevail providing rare early certainty on demarcation in a high-voltage thermal power EPC contract.
8Despite bidder arguments about claim unpredictability and procedural fairness, BHEL retained the Rs.10 crore arbitration limit.
8Disputes above this value must go through alternate legal remedies adding commercial risk.
8BHEL confirmed that dismantling, pipe rerouting, and cable rack adjustments especially near BTG boundaries fall under BOP vendor responsibility.
Rs. 200 CRORE COAL HANDLING OPPORTUNITY DRAWS BIG PLAYERS INTO TECHNICAL PRE-QUALIFICATION
8India’s coal sector is seeing robust competition as a substantial project enters the technical shortlist phase.
8The focus on advanced handling technology and turnkey execution has created a tight field, setting a benchmark for similar projects in the pipeline.
RS 1,000 CRORE SOLAR TRANSMISSION PROJECT DRAWS INTEREST FROM TOP EPC FIRMS
8A large-scale 2450 MW solar evacuation tender has seen strong participation from established contractors such as Amara Raja Infra and Megha Engineering.
8The project is crucial for grid integration of renewable energy in one of India’s sunniest regions.
NO MORE OLD KIT: ONLY NEW EQUIPMENT ALLOWED FOR FABRICATION MEGA-DEALS
8Vendors chasing high-capacity supply contracts must deploy brand-new machinery—raising the bar on quality and upfront investment in upcoming power sector builds.
HIGH-VALUE HVDC CONTROL UPGRADE HINTS AT AGEING INFRA REPLACEMENT
8A control system upgradation tender for a 1500 MW HVDC line raises key questions about how India's legacy systems are coping and what newer technology benchmarks might be entering.
3 GW GRID INTEGRATION VIA AIS NODE: DUAL-PHASE BAY AUGMENTATION SHOWS LAYERED DESIGN
8The package is divided into two major phases with progressive bay additions, suggesting a staggered RE generation commissioning strategy from multiple developers.
8Consistent with Ministry of Power’s policy, the tender bars foreign-registered firms, reinforcing domestic manufacturing and engineering goals under Atmanirbhar Bharat.
ADANI EDGES OUT PSUS IN KEY 765 KV TRANSMISSION TENDER: MARGINS REVEAL A TIGHT RACE
8A high-stakes transmission bid to evacuate pumped storage power from Maharashtra saw a narrow win by a private giant over two central PSUs.
8Final margins signal aggressive tariff pressure, even on complex HVDC-linked assets
For daily newsletters and other free services, fill in your details: