EDF India has signed non-binding term sheets with NTPC, Coal India Ltd (CIL), and global investor Actis to advance renewable energy projects in India. Under this collaboration, NTPC will develop, own, and operate pumped storage projects (PSPs), standalone hydropower, and hybrid renewable energy projects. EDF has proposed a 50:50 joint venture with NTPC and a separate JV with CIL to pursue PSPs and renewable projects in India and neighboring countries. India’s National Electricity Plan 2023 estimates a need for 74 GW/411 GWh of energy storage systems by 2031-32, including 27 GW/175 GWh from PSPs and 47 GW/236 GWh from battery energy storage systems. The Ministry of Power has introduced competitive bidding guidelines for energy procurement from PSPs, while the government has allocated Rs 124.6 billion to support hydroelectric and PSP projects through 2031-32. EDF also signed an agreement with Actis to establish a platform for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) service provider concessions. This aligns with India’s national smart metering initiative under the revamped distribution sector program, aimed at boosting operational efficiency and reducing technical and commercial losses. In December 2024, PFC Consulting invited bids to empanel AMI service providers for smart prepaid metering implementation. (Mercom)