GRID INFRASTRUCTURE
World switches on to electrification; India holds back
COP31 in Antalya emphasizes electrification, with Turkiye targeting 35% by 2035 and several countries signing the pledge. India, despite its growing electricity demand and near-universal grid access, has not yet joined the initiative. Concerns about new commitments and clean energy targets are influencing India's decision. The International Energy Agency predicts a significant increase in India’s electricity share by 2035.
PM in Manila: Aligning act east, Indo-Pacific & MAHASAGAR policies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Manila for the ASEAN Summit, focusing on strengthening India's partnerships. The growing competition in the Indo-Pacific requires ASEAN countries to seek reliable collaborations with India. Maritime cooperation, educational exchanges, and renewable energy initiatives are critical areas for future collaboration.
Base metals lose momentum amid strong dollar and demand concerns
One of the key reasons behind the weakness in base metals is the strength of the US dollar. The Dollar Index (DXY) has climbed to the 103-104 range, supported by resilient US economic data, elevated Treasury yields, and expectations that the Federal Reserve may keep interest rates relatively restrictive for longer.
India seeks to triple clean energy capacity to 900 gigawatts by 2035, but major hurdles remain
India has announced an ambitious goal to install 900 gigawatts of clean energy by 2035. The government has approved nearly $20 billion to improve power grid infrastructure. Experts emphasize that grid enhancements are crucial for this energy transition. While coal remains a significant energy source, the shift toward renewables is essential. Meeting future demands will require integrated solutions for electricity generation and storage.
AI can boost productivity but pose risks to India's IT sector: Moody's
Moody's Ratings said AI could boost productivity but also create job displacement risks in emerging markets with significant exposure to software, IT and business-process outsourcing. However, there is no clear evidence of either trend in India and the Philippines yet. The agency also raised its FY27 India GDP growth forecast to 7% from 6.5%.
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ED probes 21L trail to retd Punjab official's wife in border land case
The Enforcement Directorate is investigating a money-laundering case linked to illegal land transfers in Pathankot, Punjab. Investigators are probing alleged payments from a stone-crushing firm to a retired official's wife. The case involves public land transfer to private entities, which facilitated unauthorized sand and gravel extraction. The agency has conducted multiple searches and seized cash and heavy machinery related to the operations.

Centre gets 22 bids for 10 GWh battery sops
The Ministry of Heavy Industries opened technical bids on Wednesday for advanced chemistry cell manufacturing capacity. Twenty-two bids were submitted by various companies, including ACME Solar Holdings and Reliance Industries. This initiative is part of the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell Battery Storage approved in May 2021. The program has a financial outlay of Rs 18,100 crore and aims to enhance energy security.

22 firms chase 10 GWh battery prize under PLI scheme
The Centre's production-linked incentive scheme for advanced chemistry cell manufacturing has received bids from 22 companies. These bids aim to establish giga-scale manufacturing facilities in India. The scheme is part of a larger target to achieve 50 GWh of manufacturing capacity. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is managing the two-stage bidding process transparently. This initiative seeks to strengthen domestic battery manufacturing capabilities and attract international investments.

MEA says "power grid integration" with ASEAN is promising as India eyes deeper digital cooperation
India is looking to solidify partnerships with ASEAN countries in digital public infrastructure and telecommunications. The country seeks to leverage its experience in power grid integration for regional energy security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to the Philippines will coincide with the 49th ASEAN Summit. Various world leaders will participate in discussions on regional cooperation and challenges.

Qcomm’s Diwali boost; Energy startups attract funds
Happy Wednesday! Quick commerce powered a strong festive season for D2C brands. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.

Energy infra startups see bigger cheques as investors bet on sovereign play
Bengaluru-based Enerzolve, which makes smart meters, power conversion systems and energy storage systems, is in talks to raise $20 million from existing investors Jungle Ventures and Kae Capital as well as Schneider Electric, people aware of the matter told ET. That’s nearly four times the $5 million it raised in a January round.

India's renewable energy expansion averts $100 bn in fuel imports, savings seen at $240 bn by 2030
The findings underline the growing economic and energy-security dividends of India's renewable energy transition, with increased domestic electricity generation reducing exposure to imported fossil fuels and volatility in international energy markets.

Karnataka plans feasibility studies for 1,500 MW floating solar capacity
Karnataka is currently exploring the establishment of floating solar power projects aimed at generating 1,500 MW capacity. The initiative includes conducting feasibility studies and surveys for suitable reservoirs and water bodies. KPCL will evaluate technical aspects and environmental impacts as part of project preparation. This project reflects the state's commitment to innovative renewable energy solutions while optimizing land and water resources.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey sign deal to build 3,000 MW of wind power capacity
Saudi Arabia and Turkey have signed an agreement to develop 3,000 MW of wind power capacity in Turkey, taking the total planned capacity under their energy partnership to 5,000 MW. The latest pact builds on a February agreement for 2,000 MW of solar projects, as Ankara expands renewable energy investments.

Jensen Huang is bigger than Nvidia — and it’s a problem
Nvidia has initiated an investigation regarding CEO Jensen Huang after acknowledgment of a romantic involvement with a Chinese spy. This revelation has raised questions about the company's future stability and ongoing projects. Investors are apprehensive about key-person risk due to Huang's significant influence on Nvidia’s operations and strategy.

Norway reins in data centre industry amid AI boom
Norway produces more power than it consumes and is a net exporter, but recent projections show that demand from new data centres could lead to an energy deficit and rising electricity prices in the coming years.

India's net-zero transition aim by 2070 offers $22.7 tn investment opportunity for global capital
India's push to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 could unlock a $22.7 trillion investment opportunity across renewable energy, power grids, battery storage, green hydrogen and clean technologies, according to a report by Australian economist Nicki Hutley. The report estimates a $6.5 trillion funding gap, which will require international capital to bridge.

When wars and AI cast a shadow, India has pressed a power reset
India’s renewable energy expansion is reshaping its energy security, cutting dependence on imported coal and natural gas as wars, oil supply disruptions and AI-driven electricity demand put pressure on power markets. An International Energy Agency report says clean energy saved India over $100 billion in fuel imports between 2011 and 2025, with cumulative savings potentially reaching $240 billion by 2030.

What is a 'Black Sky' event? Why is the UK preparing for a crisis that could paralyse daily life?
During this kind of event, extreme, prolonged electricity blackout could disrupt essential infrastructure and several services across a large area. The situation can turn very serious. It may not be just some ordinary power cuts. Electricity-dependent systems could stop functioning. The consequences could extend beyond lighting and heating to water supplies, telecommunications, transport.

Adani Green bets on battery storage to offset grid issues
Adani Green Energy lost Rs 700 crore in Ebitda over the six months ended September. Without curtailment, its first-half FY27 Ebitda would have been about Rs 9,000 crore, against the actual Rs 8,276 crore.

Marathwada Water Grid project to get Rs 20,000 crore JICA funding: Devendra Fadnavis
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has responded positively to providing a loan of around Rs 20,000 crore for the first phase of Maharashtra's Marathwada Water Grid project. The initiative will connect water-surplus dams to water-scarce areas through 3,095 km of pipelines, benefiting around one crore people across four districts.

In a divided world, COP31 aims for agreement on electrification
COP31, kicking off November 9 in Antalya, Turkey, is all set to spotlight the global push for electrification. With a target to raise electricity's contribution to final energy demand to 35% by 2035, nations are keenly examining how electrification can effectively curb fossil fuel use.

Nitin Gadkari wants to change how India's city roads are built; after highways, he's turning his attention to engineers, quality and accountability
Nitin Gadkari has called for a national mission on urban roads, stressing better project preparation, skilled engineers and accountability. Speaking at MARG 2026 in New Delhi, he also highlighted integrated planning between road, metro and rail agencies and showcased urban road development models in Bengaluru and Uttar Pradesh.

Google unveils $15 billion data centre investment in Malaysia
Google announced plans on Wednesday to invest $15 billion in Malaysia over the next two years to build data centres and other infrastructure as demand booms for artificial intelligence services. It said the $15 billion investment will be made "over the next two years (2027 to 2028)", expanding on a $2 billion investment announced in 2024.

IREDA seeks global funding partnerships to lower borrowing costs for green projects
IREDA is aiming to collaborate with global banks and investors for long-term green financing initiatives. Renewable energy developers in India face high borrowing costs compared to those in developed markets. The country requires significant investment to achieve its renewable energy capacity goals by 2030. Concerns regarding land acquisition and transmission infrastructure continue to pose challenges for developers. Disruptions in power generation can substantially impact project finances and repayment capabilities.

CCI clears KKR's Rs 6,000 crore investment in PETRONAS-backed Gentari Renewables
Global investment firm KKR has received approval from India's Competition Commission to invest in Gentari Renewables India. This clean energy platform is part of Malaysia's PETRONAS group, which focuses on renewable energy projects. KKR plans to invest approximately Rs 6,000 crore in the Indian renewable energy sector. The firm already holds investments in various Indian clean energy companies.

Essar Power to invest Rs 4,500 crore in 300 MW renewable energy project in Andhra Pradesh
Essar Power is planning a significant investment in a 300 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy project. The project aims to combine solar and wind power generation with Battery Energy Storage Systems for improved reliability. This initiative follows a power purchase agreement with NHPC Ltd, enhancing Essar's renewable energy portfolio. It also contributes to India's target of 500 GW of non-fossil fuel electricity by 2030.

Advait Energy Transitions Q2 profit jumps 89% to Rs 19.18 crore; revenue rises 41%
Advait Energy Transitions has reported an 88.5 percent increase in net profit for the quarter ending September 30, 2026. Revenue for this period rose 40.8 percent, reaching Rs 220.9 crore, driven by strong demand for power transmission solutions. The company also experienced substantial growth in its consolidated revenue for the first half of FY27.
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