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Wednesday, August 19, 2026 9:30 AM

Renewable Energy

Adani Green Energy Appoints Poly Singh Arora as Chief People Officer

Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL) has announced the appointment of Poly Singh Arora as its new Chief People Officer, further strengthening the company’s leadership team as it expands its renewable energy operations. Arora joins AGEL with over 22 years of experience in human resources, bringing expertise in talent management, organizational transformation, HR operations, business partnering, workforce planning, performance management, and rewards strategy. Before joining Adani Green Energy, she served as Head of Human Resources at Mumbai International Airport Limited (CSMIA). Over the course of her career, she has also held key HR leadership positions at VFS Global, Vodafone India, and Excel Callnet. According to the company, Arora’s extensive experience in driving people-centric strategies and organizational development is expected to support AGEL’s growth ambitions as it continues to expand its presence in the renewable energy sector. She holds an MBA in Human Resources Management from Punjabi University, Patiala. Source: Economic Times  

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Piyush Goyal Embarks on Europe Tour to Deepen India’s Trade and Investment Partnerships

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has begun a five-day official visit to Spain, Belgium, and Finland, aimed at expanding India’s economic engagement with key European partners. The visit, which runs until July 17, will focus on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and sustainable development. The first stop is Spain, where Goyal will participate in a business roundtable alongside representatives from the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, the Spanish Confederation of Business Organisations (CEOE), and ICEX Spain Trade and Investment. Indian and Spanish business leaders are expected to discuss collaboration across sectors such as automobiles, renewable energy, railways, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, food processing, and tourism. The minister will then travel to Belgium on July 14 and 15 for a series of high-level engagements. His itinerary includes meetings with senior officials from Thales Group and Silox Group, as well as participation in the India-EU Business Roundtable and the Trade and Technology Council Plenary. Key discussions will centre on boosting foreign investment, easing trade, promoting sustainable technologies, and strengthening resilient global supply chains. The final leg of the tour will take Goyal to Finland on July 16 and 17. He is scheduled to attend the India-Finland Business Roundtable and visit leading Finnish companies and research organisations, including Nokia, Kone, Kemppi Group, and the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. The discussions will explore opportunities for collaboration in telecommunications, advanced manufacturing, clean energy, mobility, and innovation. Source: News on AIR

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PM Modi Pushes Faster Execution of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, Reviews Key Infrastructure Projects at PRAGATI Meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed the importance of effective implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0, urging States to focus not only on infrastructure creation but also on measurable outcomes through continuous monitoring, citizen participation, and better coordination among stakeholders. Chairing the 51st PRAGATI meeting in New Delhi, the Prime Minister reviewed seven major infrastructure projects spanning the Railways, Power, and Road sectors across nine States, with a combined value of nearly ₹30,000 crore. During the review of Swachh Bharat Mission initiatives, Modi directed States to speed up the completion of solid waste management infrastructure, including waste processing units and GOBARdhan plants. He highlighted the need for stronger implementation mechanisms to ensure long-term impact and improved sanitation outcomes. Reviewing power sector projects, the Prime Minister called for rapid expansion of rooftop solar systems in urban areas, residential societies, and public institutions. He said rooftop solar adoption should be pursued in mission mode to lower electricity costs, strengthen energy security, and boost clean energy generation at the community level. On road and port connectivity projects, Modi emphasised that the Vadhavan Port project should evolve into a model for integrated multi-modal infrastructure development. He said the port must function as a national logistics gateway connected through coastal shipping, inland waterways, dedicated freight corridors, high-speed rail, highways, and airport networks. While assessing the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project, the Prime Minister said the initiative should become a benchmark for resolving inter-state water issues through cooperation, timely approvals, technology-driven monitoring, and mission-oriented execution. He encouraged States to explore similar integrated projects focusing on river-linking, water conservation, groundwater recharge, and efficient irrigation systems to enhance long-term water security. The Prime Minister also warned that delays in public infrastructure projects lead to rising costs and deprive citizens of timely access to essential services and development benefits. He stressed that Ministries, Departments, and State governments must adopt a proactive and time-bound approach to resolve bottlenecks and accelerate implementation. Modi further suggested innovative use of canal infrastructure, including installing solar panels along and above canals. He noted that such projects could optimise land use, reduce water evaporation, generate renewable energy, and create additional economic value from water resources. At the beginning of the meeting, the Cabinet Secretary informed that a monthly review mechanism for social sector schemes has now been operationalised at the State level following the Prime Minister’s directions. The system is aimed at ensuring regular monitoring, quicker resolution of implementation challenges, and greater accountability at State and district levels. Swachh Bharat Mission has been selected as the first scheme for review under this mechanism. Source: News on AIR

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India, Norway Upgrade Bilateral Relations to Green Strategic Partnership

India and Norway have agreed to elevate their bilateral ties to a “Green Strategic Partnership” following high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. During restricted and delegation-level discussions, both leaders reviewed the full spectrum of India-Norway relations and committed to deepening cooperation in areas such as clean energy, blue economy, green transition, renewable energy, trade and investment, circular economy, artificial intelligence, science and technology, education, space, and Arctic affairs. The two sides also highlighted the growing opportunities under the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, particularly in boosting trade, technology partnerships, and employment generation. In a joint press statement issued after the meeting, Prime Minister Modi recalled that his planned visit to Norway last year had been postponed following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. He expressed gratitude to Norway for firmly supporting India during that period, calling it a sign of genuine friendship between the two nations. Mr Modi said the India-EFTA trade pact, which came into force last year, would act as a roadmap for shared prosperity and stronger economic engagement between India and Norway. He also welcomed Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, emphasizing that both countries, as major maritime nations, would enhance collaboration in maritime security, marine economy, and capacity building. The Indian Prime Minister reiterated that both nations strongly support a rules-based international order and believe in dialogue and diplomacy for resolving conflicts. Referring to ongoing crises in Ukraine and West Asia, he stressed that military solutions alone cannot resolve global disputes and underlined support for efforts aimed at restoring peace. Mr Modi also emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions to effectively address emerging international challenges and reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Norway to combating terrorism in all forms. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre expressed strong support for India’s fight against terrorism and agreed to strengthen cooperation with India in multilateral platforms and global forums. Source: News on AIR

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Maharashtra’s Record-Breaking Solar Pump Rollout Earns Guinness Recognition

Maharashtra has entered the Guinness World Records after installing 45,911 off-grid solar agricultural pumps within just one month — one of the fastest large-scale renewable irrigation deployments worldwide, second only to China. The rapid rollout, executed under the PM-KUSUM scheme and the Magel Tyala Saur Krushi Pump Yojana, was completed in 30 days and formally certified by Guinness. A special ceremony in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar marked the achievement, attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, New and Renewable Energy Minister Atul Save, and senior officials. Fadnavis said the milestone represents a transformative shift in agricultural energy access, promising improved irrigation security, higher farm incomes, and reduced dependence on traditional power sources. He also directed officials to target 10 lakh solar pump installations by next year, building on the 7.5 lakh pumps already deployed. The massive rollout was enabled by pre-planned inventory, digital monitoring, multiple parallel installation teams, and a structured execution model that prioritised drought-prone areas. Strict service-level agreements ensured farmer grievances were addressed within three days, with automatic escalation for delays. Pump allocation followed land-based criteria: 3 HP for up to 2.5 acres, 5 HP for up to 5 acres, and 7 HP for larger farms. MSEDCL CMD Lokesh Chandra said the achievement stems from systematic planning, transparent vendor processes, and rigorous compliance. Maharashtra has now installed over 7.47 lakh solar pumps and is targeting 10.45 lakh units, making it one of India’s largest renewable irrigation transitions. The model — combining PM-KUSUM (Component B) and the state scheme — is being projected as scalable for other Indian states and Global South nations aiming for energy-secure, climate-friendly agriculture. The state plans to continue the accelerated rollout, gradually shifting all new agricultural power connections to off-grid solar systems, supporting long-term decarbonisation and reducing the load on the conventional grid. Source: Economic Times

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Reliance Power forms new Board of Management to boost governance, sharpen oversight

Reliance Power Ltd., part of the Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group, has approved the creation of a Board of Management (BOM) to strengthen governance standards and enhance strategic oversight across the organisation. The new structure, cleared by the board on November 19, will include the company’s CEO, key managerial personnel, and senior business leaders. The company said the move reflects its push toward a more agile, future-ready operating model, aligned with global best practices in corporate governance and long-term value creation for stakeholders. During the meeting, the board also reviewed growth developments at its subsidiary Reliance NU Energies, which has emerged as a leading player in the solar-plus-BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) segment. The subsidiary has secured up to 4 GW of solar capacity and 6.5 GW of BESS capacity through competitive bids, positioning it as a major force in India’s clean energy transition. Reliance Power said the formation of the BOM, along with its expanding renewable energy footprint, underscores its strategy to build a strong foundation for sustainable and forward-looking growth. Source: The Hindu

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India Unveils New Strategies to Future-Proof Coal Sector Amid Green Transition

The Government of India has introduced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability and competitiveness of the coal sector, even as the nation steadily increases its reliance on renewable energy sources. With coal still meeting around 55% of India’s energy demand and the country holding the fifth-largest coal reserves globally, the government is striking a balance between energy security and climate commitments. Focus on Greener Mining Practices Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in the coal and lignite space are implementing widespread environmental and efficiency upgrades. These include large-scale afforestation and bio-reclamation efforts around operational mines to reduce ecological damage. Energy-saving initiatives have also been scaled up, such as switching to LED lighting, incorporating energy-efficient appliances, deploying electric vehicles, and using smart technologies like auto timers and super fans in mine sites and street lighting systems. Additionally, treated mine water is being repurposed for community needs — from irrigation and firefighting to fish farming and domestic supply. Several MoUs with state governments aim to expand this supply to nearby villages and towns. In a move to reduce dependence on river sand and protect ecosystems, coal PSUs are now extracting usable sand from overburden (OB) waste. Nine processing units — including M-Sand and OB-to-sand plants — are now operational, promoting sustainable construction and groundwater recharge. Embracing Cleaner and Smarter Technologies Under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiative, the coal sector is modernizing its logistics by shifting to mechanized transport systems. This helps reduce fuel usage and lower carbon emissions. To minimize environmental disruption, companies are increasingly deploying blast-free technologies such as Surface Miners and Continuous Miners, which significantly cut down on air and noise pollution. There’s also a growing push towards clean energy and green technologies within the sector. Coal companies are investing in renewable energy projects, coal gasification, and coal bed methane (CBM) extraction. Participation in the Green Credit Programme by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change signals the sector’s proactive stance toward environmental responsibility. Reducing Imports and Enhancing Domestic Supply India is steadily reducing its reliance on imported coal. According to Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, coal imports dropped from 264.5 million tonnes in FY 2023–24 to 243.6 million tonnes in FY 2024–25. This shift is driven by measures such as faster coal block allocations, greater private sector involvement, digital adoption in mining operations, and faster clearances for mining projects. An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been established to promote import substitution and is working directly with power plants to align their needs with domestic coal supplies. Infrastructure developments, including new railway lines and expanded FMC corridors, are also improving coal evacuation and logistics, ensuring faster and more reliable deliveries across regions. Through these integrated steps, the Indian government is ensuring coal remains a stable and competitive component of the country’s energy mix — while simultaneously advancing toward a greener, more sustainable future. Source: DD News  

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Jindal Saw to Acquire 31.2% Stake in ReNew Green Energy for Concessional Power

Jindal Saw Ltd. announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement to acquire a 31.2% equity stake in ReNew Green MHH One Private Limited (RGMHH), a subsidiary of ReNew Green Energy Solutions Private Limited (RGES). The acquisition aims to secure electricity at concessional rates for the company’s operations. While the financial details remain undisclosed, Jindal Saw confirmed in its regulatory filing that the acquisition is expected to be completed by May 31, 2025, or a mutually agreed date. Upon completion, RGMHH will be recognized as an associate company of Jindal Saw. Jindal Saw is a global manufacturer and supplier of steel pipe products, fittings, and accessories, with manufacturing facilities located across India, the United States, Europe, and the UAE. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to reduce operational costs through renewable energy partnerships while contributing to sustainable energy adoption. “The acquisition is driven by our objective to procure electricity at concessional rates, ensuring cost efficiency and environmental responsibility,” the company stated. The deal highlights Jindal Saw’s forward-looking approach toward clean energy solutions and its commitment to strengthening its operational sustainability. It also reflects the growing trend of industrial players partnering with renewable energy firms to address rising energy costs and achieve carbon neutrality goals. The acquisition is expected to enhance Jindal Saw’s long-term energy security while solidifying its position as a responsible and sustainable industrial leader. Further details regarding the investment structure or financial terms are anticipated closer to the transaction’s completion date. Source: Business Standard Photo Credit: Business Standard

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Breakthrough Discovery Unveils Potential for Sustainable Energy Revolution

Researchers have unveiled a discovery that could pave the way for a sustainable energy revolution. The breakthrough centers around a novel technology that harnesses the power of ambient vibrations to generate electricity, offering a promising solution to the global quest for cleaner and more efficient energy sources. The innovation, spearheaded by a team of scientists at a leading research institution, revolves around the concept of energy harvesting from ambient vibrations in the environment. By tapping into these ubiquitous vibrations, the researchers have successfully created a prototype device capable of converting them into usable electrical energy. This opens up the possibility of generating power in diverse settings, from urban environments with constant human activity to remote locations with natural vibrations. The implications of this discovery are far-reaching, as it holds the potential to revolutionize the energy landscape. Unlike traditional energy sources that often rely on finite resources and contribute to environmental degradation, this breakthrough offers a renewable and sustainable alternative. The technology’s scalability and adaptability make it a viable option for various applications, ranging from powering small electronic devices to providing energy for entire communities. The researchers anticipate that this innovation could play a pivotal role in addressing the pressing global challenges related to climate change and the need for cleaner energy solutions. The next steps involve further testing and refinement of the technology to optimize its efficiency and practicality. As the world grapples with the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy, this discovery marks a significant stride towards a more eco-friendly and resilient future. This breakthrough not only signifies a leap forward in scientific achievement but also underscores the potential for unconventional approaches to meet the growing energy demands of our planet. The journey towards a sustainable energy revolution has just taken a promising turn, bringing renewed hope for a greener and more environmentally conscious future.

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SolarEdge Technologies Announces 16% Workforce Reduction Amidst Strategic Operational Adjustments

In a strategic move to streamline operations and cut operating costs, SolarEdge Technologies announced on Sunday that it will be implementing a significant workforce reduction, affecting approximately 16% of its global workforce, or roughly 900 employees. This decision comes on the heels of the firm’s recent strategic shifts, including the discontinuation of manufacturing operations in Mexico, a reduction in manufacturing capacity in China, and the termination of light commercial vehicle e-mobility activity. CEO Zvi Lando explained the rationale behind the tough decision, stating, “We have made a very difficult, but necessary decision to implement a workforce reduction and other cost-cutting measures in order to align our cost structure with the rapidly changing market dynamics.” The renewable energy company had previously adjusted its fourth-quarter revenue expectations in November, citing weak demand for its solar inverters. The solar industry, particularly in Europe, has experienced a slowdown over the past year due to excess inventories and weakening demand. In the United States, factors such as higher interest rates and a metering reform in California, the country’s largest solar market, have contributed to lower demand for solar products. SolarEdge’s strategic measures reflect the company’s proactive response to the evolving dynamics of the solar market, aiming to position itself effectively in the face of challenges. The announcement underscores the broader trends and challenges within the renewable energy sector, as companies navigate market shifts and seek to optimize their operations in a rapidly changing environment.

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