The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy reduced the minimum module efficiency requirement under the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers for modules used in off-grid solar projects. The minimum efficiency for crystalline silicon technology modules used in off-grid solar projects is reduced to 18% from 19%. The efficiency for cadmium telluride thin film technology modules remains the same. The changes apply to off-grid solar power projects/applications, including solar lamps, lights, streetlights, and fans, and exclude solar pumps and rooftop systems.

Energy efficiency is a key component of energy transition initiatives. While renewable energy in India has evolved rapidly, energy efficiency has not kept pace. For India’s energy transition programs to scale quickly, commercial and industrial (C&I) units must adopt energy-efficiency solutions to reduce emissions. In this exclusive interview with Mercom India, Manya Ranjan, Co-Founder, Two Point O Capital, a green financing platform, talks about the awareness levels of energy efficiency among C&I businesses and the challenges they face in decarbonizing their operations.

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission approved the power sale agreement and supplementary power sale agreement between Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation and National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for procuring 1,525 MW of solar power. NHPC, designated by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy as an intermediary procurer or renewable energy implementing agency, conducted a competitive bidding process for 3,000 MW of interstate transmission system-connected solar projects.

The Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission approved a tariff of ₹4.6 (~$0.0544)/kWh for the Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh (APSPDCL) to procure 400 MW from Axis Energy‘s wind-solar hybrid projects. The Commission has ordered the distribution company to consider that the energy injected into the grid will be treated as banked energy. APSPDCL may purchase this energy at 50% of the pooled power purchase cost. It approved the power purchase agreements with the requested tariff of ₹4.6 (~$0.0544)/KWh.

SJVN issued two tenders inviting bids to set up solar projects with a cumulative capacity of 7.15 MW on union government buildings in multiple states under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. Bids must be submitted by May 28, 2025. Bids will be opened on the same day. The scope of work entails the design, storage, installation, testing, and commissioning of the projects. It also includes preparing the site surveys and feasibility reports, and conducting associated civil works.

Fuel cell manufacturer Ballard Power Systems reported a revenue of $15.4 million in the first quarter of 2025, a 6% year-over-year (YoY) increase, supported by growth in the bus segment of the heavy-duty mobility market. The revenue, however, fell short of analysts’ expectations by $1.33 million. Ballard’s bus-related revenue surged 41% YoY to $12.5 million, driving a 22% increase in the revenue of the heavy-duty mobility segment to $12.9 million. However, this was offset by weaker sales in truck, rail, and marine verticals.