Blog

Andhra Pradesh has taken a step towards sustainable industrial development with the launch of the JSW Rayalaseema Steel Plant and its associated 3,850 MW captive renewable energy project, positioning the state as a key destination for green manufacturing and clean energy-led industrial growth.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, along with JSW Group Chairman and Managing Director, Sajjan Jindal and Union Minister Srinivasa Varma, laid the foundation stone for the Rayalaseema Steel Plant at Sunnapurallapalle in Kadapa district. The Chief Minister also inaugurated the construction of the JSW Neo Energy Solar Captive Power Project and virtually launched the company’s industrial park in Vizianagaram district.

The Rayalaseema Steel Plant will be developed in two phases with an investment of INR 16,350 crore and an annual production capacity of 2 million tonnes. Complementing the steel facility, JSW Neo Energy will establish a 3,850 MW solar and wind power project with an investment of INR 20,350 crore, supplying renewable electricity to the plant and enabling low-carbon steel production.

The integrated steel and renewable energy projects are expected to generate around 2,700 direct jobs, while supporting Andhra Pradesh’s vision of building a sustainable industrial ecosystem. The company is also investing INR 531 crore to develop a 1,166-acre industrial park in Vizianagaram, providing plug-and-play infrastructure for future industries.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Naidu said the Rayalaseema Steel Plant marks the beginning of a new era for the region and fulfils a long-standing demand for industrial development. He highlighted Rayalaseema’s emergence as a hub for electric mobility, defence manufacturing, electronics, horticulture, mining and renewable energy, adding that the region is transforming into a water-secure and industrially vibrant economy.

Naidu emphasised that the upcoming steel plant will manufacture steel entirely using green energy, reflecting the state’s commitment to decarbonising heavy industry. He also cited ongoing investments in the steel sector, including the proposed INR 1.35 lakh crore in ArcelorMittal steel plant in Anakapalle and the revival of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, supported by inr 11,440 crore in financial assistance from the Centre.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing critical infrastructure, including water, road, rail and port connectivity, to support large-scale industrial investments while promoting the use of local mineral resources to drive regional economic development.

Highlighting Andhra Pradesh’s broader investment strategy, Naidu said the state is increasingly attracting investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, aerospace, defence, electronics, food processing and space technology due to stable governance and strong investor confidence.

Speaking at the event, Sajjan Jindal, Chairman and Managing Director of JSW Group, described the Chief Minister as a visionary leader and announced that the company plans to expand the Rayalaseema Steel Plant beyond its initial 2 MTPA capacity. He also revealed that JSW intends to invest nearly INR 50,000 crore across Andhra Pradesh, creating employment opportunities for approximately 50,000 people.

Coal India Limited and Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (UPRVUNL) have signed a joint venture agreement to develop renewable energy projects across Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards expanding the state’s clean energy capacity.

The agreement was signed on July 3, 2026, and the development was subsequently disclosed by Coal India to the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE).

Under the agreement, the proposed joint venture company will undertake the development of a range of renewable energy projects, including ground-mounted solar plants, floating solar projects, pumped storage systems, and wind energy projects. The company will also engage in power sales and related business activities.

Coal India will hold a 51% stake in the venture, while UPRVUNL will own the remaining 49%, giving Coal India management control of the new entity.

The joint venture will be incorporated as a private limited company headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It will begin operations with an initial paid-up capital of ₹10 lakh and an authorised share capital of ₹10 crore.

The company’s board will comprise five directors, with Coal India nominating three directors, including the Chairperson, while UPRVUNL will appoint the remaining two directors.

According to the agreement, both partners will have pre-emptive rights to subscribe to any future share issuances, enabling them to maintain their respective ownership stakes. The arrangement also includes a five-year lock-in period, during which neither party will be permitted to transfer its shareholding except in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

The partnership reflects the growing focus of both organisations on accelerating renewable energy development and supporting Uttar Pradesh’s long-term clean energy transition.

Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL), a subsidiary of The Tata Power Company Limited, has successfully commissioned its 100.8 MW Jewali Wind Project in Dharashiv district, Maharashtra. The electricity generated from the project will be supplied to Tata Power Mumbai Distribution and will help contribute towards its Renewable Purchase Obligation targets, supporting its transition to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible Utility.

The project underscores TPREL’s strong execution capabilities and commitment to delivering large-scale renewable energy projects. The milestone further strengthens the TPREL’s growing renewable energy portfolio and reinforces its leadership in India’s clean energy transition.

The project comprises 28 SG 3.6-145 Wind Turbine Generators, based on advanced horizontal-axis wind turbine technology. The facility is expected to generate approximately 299 million units (kWh) of clean electricity annually.

The project is expected to offset nearly 245 million kg of CO₂ emissions every year, based on an estimated emissions reduction of 0.82 kg of CO₂ per unit of electricity generated, making a significant contribution towards decarbonisation and enhancing Tata Power’s clean energy portfolio.

With this commissioning, TPREL’s wind energy portfolio now exceeds 3.9 GW, including more than 1.3 GW of operational capacity, with the balance under various stages of development across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The project also advances Tata Power’s long-term vision of achieving 100% clean energy generation by 2045 and complements its expanding renewable energy portfolio.

With the addition of the Jewali Wind Project, TPREL’s total renewable utility capacity has reached 11.6 GW. Of this, 6.7 GW is operational, including 5.4 GW of solar and 1.3 GW of wind capacity, while 4.9 GW is under various stages of implementation. The under-construction portfolio comprises approximately 2.1 GW of solar, 2.6 GW of wind projects and 0.2 GW of BESS, which are expected to be commissioned in phases over the next 6-24 months. 

BikeWo Green Tech has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PositiEV Mobility, setting out the Parties’ mutual intention to pursue a partnership through a proposed transaction under which BikeWo proposes to acquire a majority stake (51 percent) in PositiEV Mobility, subject to satisfactory due diligence, mutually agreed valuation, execution of definitive agreements and applicable corporate, statutory and regulatory approvals.

The MoU further records the Parties intention that, upon successful completion of the proposed transaction, Hiten Pal Saklani, Founder of PositiEV Mobility, shall assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of BikeWo Green Tech, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and execution of definitive agreements.

The proposed transaction would represent a milestone in BikeWo’s journey towards creating an integrated platform that brings together EV retail, leasing, financing, charging infrastructure, battery swapping, fleet solutions and after-sales services under one ecosystem. By combining the strengths of both companies, BikeWo aims to address some of the key challenges slowing EV adoption in India while delivering end-to-end mobility solutions for businesses and consumers alike.

Founded by Hiten Pal Saklani, PositiEV Mobility has built a technology-enabled platform focused on commercial EV distribution and leasing by integrating financing, charging infrastructure, maintenance and fleet operations. The company has developed a collaborative ecosystem connecting OEMs, dealers, NBFCs, fleet operators and infrastructure partners to simplify electric mobility for businesses and institutional customers.

Commenting on the MoU, Manideep Katepalli, Chairman and Managing Director, BikeWo Green Tech, said, “This MoU marks an important step in BikeWo’s long-term growth strategy. PositiEV Mobility has built strong capabilities across EV distribution, leasing and mobility infrastructure, making it an excellent strategic fit with BikeWo’s vision. We look forward to working closely with the PositiEV team as we progress through due diligence and the necessary approvals. We believe this partnership has the potential to create one of India’s most integrated EV mobility platforms. Hiten’s deep understanding of the EV ecosystem, combined with his entrepreneurial experience and execution capabilities, makes him the ideal leader to drive BikeWo’s next phase of growth. Together, we are committed to building an integrated mobility platform that accelerates EV adoption and creates long-term value for the entire ecosystem.”

Speaking on the signing of the MoU, Hiten Pal Saklani, Founder and CEO, PositiEV Mobility, said, “India’s EV transition is entering a defining phase where success will depend not only on vehicles but on the ecosystem that supports them. Financing, charging infrastructure, dealership sustainability, fleet management and after-sales service must work together to make electric mobility truly scalable. The signing of this MoU reflects the shared vision of BikeWo and PositiEV Mobility to build an integrated EV mobility ecosystem. We look forward to working closely with BikeWo to build an integrated platform that empowers manufacturers, dealers, fleet operators, financial institutions and customers, while accelerating India’s transition towards clean and sustainable mobility.”

Upon completion of the proposed transaction and the necessary approvals, Hiten Pal Saklani is proposed to lead BikeWo as its Chief Executive Officer and oversee the Company’s business strategy, operations, partnerships and expansion while driving the integration of PositiEV Mobility into BikeWo’s long-term growth roadmap. The Company plans to strengthen partnerships with OEMS, financial institutions, charging infrastructure providers and fleet operators while expanding its footprint across EV distribution, leasing, digital mobility and clean energy infrastructure.

NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Green Energy Limited (NGEL), has signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with PTC India Limited for the bilateral supply of 1,200 MW of solar power, marking a significant step in expanding renewable energy deployment in the country.

The agreement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between NTPC Green Energy and PTC India in March 2026, under which the two companies agreed to explore opportunities for renewable power sales through bilateral arrangements and other market mechanisms.

The PPA exchange took place in the presence of Dr. Manoj Kumar Jhawar, MD & CEO, PTC India, Dr. J.S. Chandok, CEO, ONGPL, and senior officials from NTPC Green Energy, NTPC Renewable Energy, and PTC India.

The latest agreement further strengthens NTPC Green Energy’s renewable energy portfolio. As of June 2026, the company has surpassed 10 GW of operational renewable energy capacity, reaching 10.62 GW. During FY 2025-26, the group added 4,175 MW of renewable energy capacity, including 2,065 MW commissioned in the fourth quarter alone, reflecting its accelerated expansion in India’s clean energy sector.

The partnership is expected to support India’s growing demand for clean electricity while contributing to the country’s long-term renewable energy and decarbonisation goals through increased adoption of utility-scale solar power.

Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari has been appointed as the Vice-Chairman of KP Group. In addition, he has joined the Board of Directors of the Group’s three listed companies: KPI Green Energy Limited, KP Energy Limited, and KP Green Engineering Limited.

Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari brings nearly four decades of experience across academia, public sector leadership, and industry engagement. He has advised a wide range of organizations across the power, energy, infrastructure, banking, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing sectors, among others. The power and energy sector has been a significant area of his professional engagement.

His consulting, advisory, and research work has focused on strategic transformation, leadership development, organizational restructuring, human capital development, governance, and business turnaround. He has worked with public sector enterprises, multinational corporations, large business groups, government organizations, and international institutions.

An alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Ahmedabad, he has served on the boards of institutions including UCO Bank, Andhra Bank, and NTPC School of Business.

He was the Professor of Human Resource Management and Strategy at IIM Ahmedabad, where he previously served as Dean (Alumni and External Relations) as well. Before joining IIM Ahmedabad, he served on the faculty of the National Academy of Indian Railways and the Indian Institute of Management Lucknow.

From 2009 to 2013, Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari served as Advisor to the Minister of Human Resource Development, Government of India. His contributions have been recognized through several honours, including the Gold Medal for Excellence in Service from the National Academy of Indian Railways.

Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari’s induction to the Board brings together decades of academic expertise, governance, restructuring & turnaround experience, and corporate boardroom exposure, further reinforcing KP Group’s leadership bench at a pivotal stage in its journey.

Dr. Faruk Patel, Chairman & Managing Director, KP Group, stated, “It gives me immense pleasure to welcome Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari to our Board as Vice-Chairman. I have known him for a long time now and have been personally working with him for past 1 and a half years. Over the years I have come to deeply respect his clarity of thought, his depth of experience, and his commitment to building institutions that lasts. His career reflects a rare combination of academic rigor, governance, and boardroom expierience across some of India’s most respected institutions. As the organization grows in scale and complexity, his counsel on governance, strategy, and people will be invaluable in shaping how we build for the future. I am confident that his counsel will help us build stronger systems, sharper decision-making, and a leadership culture capable of sustaining our growth for the years ahead. On behalf of the entire KP Group family, I extend a very warm welcome to Prof. Sunil Kumar Maheshwari.”

The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) hosted the 15th edition of its India Minerals & Metals Forum (Ferrous & Non-Ferrous) in New Delhi, bringing together senior government officials, policymakers, mining companies, steel manufacturers, and industry experts to discuss strategies for building a secure and self-reliant critical minerals supply chain as India’s metals sector prepares for significant expansion.

Held under the theme “Minerals to Metals,” the forum focused on strengthening domestic capabilities in critical minerals, improving recycling and resource recovery, advancing sustainable mining, and enhancing global competitiveness across the steel and non-ferrous metals value chain.

Delivering the opening address, Dr. Pankaj Satija, Chairperson of ICC’s National Expert Committee on Minerals & Metals, highlighted the strategic importance of critical minerals in supporting India’s clean energy transition, electric mobility, defence, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing sectors. He noted that India’s list of critical minerals has expanded to 31 with the recent inclusion of coking coal and said the government is simultaneously accelerating domestic exploration, promoting recycling of electronic waste, and encouraging recovery of valuable minerals from industrial waste streams such as steel slag and fly ash.

Dr. Satija said more than 500 mineral blocks are currently under exploration, while international collaborations with countries including the United States and Argentina are helping diversify India’s supply chain. He added that recent initiatives such as the India-US FORGE and PACT partnerships have strengthened cooperation in areas including lithium refining, cathode materials, recycling, synthetic graphite production, and critical mineral processing.

Speaking on policy priorities, Anupam Lahiri, Programme Director at NITI Aayog, said recycling represents India’s most immediate opportunity to reduce dependence on imported critical minerals, as domestic exploration will require several years before commercially viable reserves become available. He emphasized that electronic waste, battery waste, mine overburden, and tailings can become valuable secondary sources of critical minerals if supported by favourable policies, commercial incentives, and advanced recovery technologies.

Lahiri also revealed that NITI Aayog has constituted a technical committee involving Coal India, Singareni Collieries, Jindal Steel, and Adani to evaluate the recovery potential of critical minerals from mine overburden and tailings. He cited Neyveli Lignite Corporation’s successful recovery of rare earth elements from fly ash as a notable example of the country’s growing waste-to-resource capabilities. However, he acknowledged that policy issues related to royalties on recovered minerals remain unresolved. He further noted that Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL) continues to pursue overseas mineral assets in Australia, Argentina, and the United States, although local processing requirements in several countries present challenges for downstream value addition in India.

Linking critical minerals to India’s long-term industrial ambitions, Sushanta Kumar Mishra, Executive In-charge of Tata Steel’s Ferro Alloys & Minerals Division, said the country’s steel production is targeted to increase from the current 150–160 million tonnes to 300 million tonnes by 2030 and 500 million tonnes by 2047. He said Tata Steel plans to expand its production capacity from around 24 million tonnes to 40 million tonnes while increasing the share of value-added ferroalloy products to nearly 80 percent of its portfolio. Mishra also highlighted ongoing research at Tata Steel’s Sukinda Valley operations on recovering nickel and cobalt from chromite overburden, where successful nickel pig iron trials have already been completed. He called for greater regulatory clarity regarding the classification of minerals recovered from mine overburden.

Providing an industry perspective, Tushar Chakraborty, Executive Director at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India LLP, stressed that India’s minerals and metals sector must focus not only on expanding production capacity but also on improving productivity, cost competitiveness, and supply chain resilience. He said achieving India’s ambitious steel and metals targets for 2030 and 2047 would require secure access to raw materials and a resilient ecosystem capable of supporting long-term industrial growth.

Addressing the role of technology in mineral processing, N. D. Rao, President-Projects at Atha & Amalgam Steel Group, explained how variations in iron ore quality significantly influence processing efficiency and production costs. He highlighted emerging reduction roasting technologies capable of upgrading lower-grade iron ores into higher-quality magnetite and referred to successful research initiatives involving bioleaching, silver recovery from zinc processing waste, and lithium extraction from electronic waste as examples of India’s growing “waste-to-wealth” potential. He also observed that the country’s rare earth resources contained in beach sands remain underutilised due to limited private sector participation.

Speaking on sustainable mining, R. R. Sathpathy, Executive Director-Exploration and Beneficiation at Lloyds Metals & Energy, outlined the transformation of the company’s Surjagad iron ore mine in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district into a fully electrified mining operation. He said the deployment of battery-powered mining equipment has reduced carbon emissions from approximately 11–12 kilograms per tonne to around 3–3.5 kilograms per tonne, with emissions expected to decline further after commissioning a planned 110 MW solar-wind hybrid power project later this year.

Sathpathy also highlighted the company’s ongoing 45-million-tonne beneficiation plant, being developed in three phases, with the first 15-million-tonne module expected to become operational by September 2027. He noted that beneficiation technologies have significantly expanded the mine’s economically recoverable resource base while contributing to local socio-economic development through employment generation, education, and healthcare infrastructure.

The discussions at the forum underscored the growing consensus that India’s ambitions in steel manufacturing, clean energy, and advanced industries will increasingly depend on securing reliable access to critical minerals through a combination of domestic exploration, technological innovation, recycling, responsible mining, and international partnerships.

Icon Solar has marked 12 years of operations, celebrating its journey as one of India’s growing solar module manufacturers while reaffirming its commitment to delivering high-efficiency solar technology backed by long-term reliability.

Commemorating the milestone, the company thanked its customers, partners, and employees for their continued trust and support over the past 12 years. Icon Solar stated that its products are backed by performance warranties of up to 30 years, providing customers with long-term energy savings and greater confidence in their solar investments.

Founded in 2014 in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Icon Solar has steadily expanded its manufacturing capabilities from an initial 20 MW production capacity to an annual manufacturing capacity of 600 MW. The company is also advancing its expansion plans with a projected 2.6 GW module manufacturing capacity and 1.2 GW solar cell manufacturing capacity, reflecting its focus on strengthening India’s domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem.

The company manufactures high-efficiency photovoltaic modules featuring advanced technologies, including N-type TOPCon panels, and serves residential, commercial, industrial, and utility-scale solar projects. Icon Solar says its products are engineered for high efficiency, durability, and long-term performance while complying with industry standards and certifications.

Looking ahead, Icon Solar said it remains committed to accelerating India’s clean energy transition through continued innovation, advanced manufacturing, and sustainable solar solutions. The company aims to support the country’s renewable energy ambitions by delivering reliable, high-performance solar technologies that enable homes, businesses, and communities to adopt clean energy with confidence.

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electricals Limited has secured a contract worth approximately INR 29.77 crore from the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) for the deployment of off-grid solar photovoltaic water pumping systems across Maharashtra under the MTSKPY/PM-KUSUM-B scheme. The company disclosed the development in a regulatory filing on July 2, 2026.

Under the contract, Crompton will design, manufacture, supply, transport, install, test and commission 1,397 off-grid DC Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping Systems (SPWPS) at various locations across the state. The scope of work also includes a complete system warranty, repair and maintenance services, and a remote monitoring system (RMS) for a period of five years.

The order, awarded by domestic utility MSEDCL, has an estimated value of approximately INR 29.77 crore, excluding GST. According to the filing, the project is scheduled to be completed within 60 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP) or work order.

The company also confirmed that neither its promoters nor promoter group entities have any interest in MSEDCL and that the contract does not qualify as a related-party transaction.

Gautam Solar Private Limited, one of the leading solar module manufacturers in India, has achieved the SA8000:2014 certification, a globally recognised standard. It reflects the company’s commitment towards responsible business practices, along with ethical operations and social accountability.

It confirmed that Gautam Solar’s management system meets the requirements of the SA8000:2014 International Standard. The company’s manufacturing and supply operations for solar photovoltaic modules and related components are covered in this certification standard. It includes areas such as quality testing and inspection, procurement and supplier management, warehousing, logistics, HR and administration.

The SA8000 certification is an internationally recognised standard for organisations that implement responsible management systems and demonstrate effective workplace practices and standards of care for their employees. This certification is another step toward Gautam Solar’s continued focus on developing a sustainable and people-oriented organisation while reinforcing its commitment to international best practices throughout its operations.

Speaking about the achievement, Gautam Mohanka, Managing Director, Gautam Solar, said, “The sustainability approach is not just limited to creating our energy solution; it is also reflected in the way we operate and build our organisation. Receiving the SA8000:2014 certification is a huge honour for us, as it recognises our efforts in creating a responsible workplace that is built through ethical practices and respect for all stakeholders.”

The SA8000:2014 certification demonstrates Gautam Solar’s commitment to being an accountable and responsible participant in renewable energy in India through the combination of operational excellence with international benchmarks of social responsibility and an emphasis on sustainability. With this milestone, the company is fulfilling its vision of providing quality solar solutions while upholding core values of integrity and reliability through the process of responsible manufacturing.