Covering 24 to 30 January 2026. A CERC order with a clear lesson for PPA negotiation leads this week. Every item is checked against the issuing authority's own document.
1. CERC declines 10 MW tranche commissioning for a 50 MW wind project
CERC · 27 January 2026 (Petition 431/MP/2025)
Powerica asked to trial-run and commission its 50 MW wind project in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, in tranches of at least 10 MW. 40.5 MW was ready, and the scheduled supply date under its SECI PPA is 13 June 2026.
Regulation 22(3)(c) of the Grid Code requires wind trial runs on at least 50 MW in aggregate, with batches of at least 5 MW above that, but allows a smaller capacity if the PPA provides for it. The SECI PPA sets 50 MW as the minimum first part. CERC found no need to relax the Grid Code and would not override the PPA, so the request was declined.
Why it matters for wind: Part commissioning is decided by the PPA, not the Grid Code. Developers who expect phased turbine deliveries should negotiate part-commissioning clauses before signing.
Source: CERC order in 431/MP/2025
2. CEA publishes roadmap to 100 GW of pumped storage by 2035-36
CEA · January 2026
CEA projects all-India storage needs of 62 GW by 2029-30, 161 GW by 2034-35 and 476 GW by 2046-47. The roadmap sets out the policy, regulatory and infrastructure measures needed for 100 GW of pumped storage within ten years.
Why it matters for wind: Firming capacity at this scale makes firm and dispatchable (FDRE) and round-the-clock bids that include wind more viable, because wind's evening and monsoon output complements solar.
Source: MNRE Policy & Regulatory Updates, January 2026
3. CEA tells utilities to follow standard transformer specifications
CEA · 24 January 2026
All utilities were told to adhere strictly to the ratings and technical parameters in CEA's Standard Specifications for Transformers and Reactors (66 kV and above) when tendering for transformers.
Why it matters for wind: Standard ratings make pooling substation transformers easier to source and replace, which helps evacuation schedules for new wind capacity.