Hero Future Energies Private Limited (HFEPL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Karnataka government to invest Rs 110 billion in renewable energy, green hydrogen, and related projects. The projects, set to launch between 2025-26, will generate around 3,000 jobs. Karnataka will offer necessary permissions, approvals, and incentives. HFEPL, led by Rahul Munjal, aims to strengthen India’s position as a global clean energy exporter, leveraging the state’s renewable resources and progressive policies. This partnership is part of the Invest Karnataka 2025 initiative, enhancing role of the state in sustainable energy and industrial innovation.Contact: Hero Future Energies Private Limited (HFEPL)Telephone: 011-49598000      Website: www.herofutureenergies.com MNRE updates the list of manufacturers of solar PVThe Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has expanded the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar photovoltaic modules, adding 2,271 MW of capacity from four manufacturers. This increases the total ALMM capacity to 62,765 MW. The new additions include Bluebird Solar (6 MW), Novasys Greenergy (181 MW), ReNew Photovoltaics (910 MW), and Saatvik Green Energy (1,174 MW). MNRE also added HR Solar Solution, Emmvee Photovoltaic Power, SAEL Solar, and Vikram Solar with a combined capacity of 4,001 MW/year to the provisional ALMM list. A draft amendment extends ALMM's scope to solar cells by April 2026.Contact: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)Website: www. mnre.gov.inDAE to double India's nuclear power capacity by 2029The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) plans to nearly double India’s nuclear power capacity within five years, aiming for a total of nearly 14 GW by 2029, up from the current 8.2 GW. DAE Secretary AK Mohanty announced that India is expanding its reactor capacity with 220 MW, 500 MW, and 700 MW units. By 2031-32, India aims to reach 20-22 GW and 100 GW by 2047. Challenges such as land acquisition and component supply remain, but DAE is also exploring advanced reactors like small modular and high-temperature reactors. Additionally, nuclear energy's role in green hydrogen production is being explored.Contact: Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)Website: www. dae.gov.inAdani commissions 250 MW solar project in RajasthanAdani Green Energy has commissioned a 250 MW solar power project in Badi Sid, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, increasing its total operational renewable generation capacity to 11,434 MW. The project, developed by its subsidiary Adani Green Energy Twenty-Five Limited, was officially declared operational on December 11, 2024. Following this announcement, the company’s shares surged by 6.48 per cent, reaching Rs 1,222.55 per share. The stock has seen a 52-week high of Rs 2,173.65 and a low of Rs 870.90. The intraday high and low for the day were Rs 1,248.90 and Rs 1,123.80, respectively.Contact: Adani Green EnergyTel: +91 79 2656 5555Website: www.adanigreenenergy.comResistance forces Maharashtra to halt 3,300-MW power projectMaharashtra's 3,300-MW coal-fired power plant project in Dondaicha, Dhule district, has been officially abandoned. Proposed by Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd. (MAHAGENCO), the 5x660 MW plant faced strong opposition from local communities over land acquisition and coal mine allocation cancellations, despite acquiring 540.05 hectares of land, concerns about displacement, loss of agricultural land, and environmental impacts led to the project's collapse. The cancellation highlights the challenge of balancing industrial development with community and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Maharashtra continues with other coal-based thermal projects, including plants in Bhusawal, Koradi, and Chandrapur.Contact: Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd. (MAHAGENCO),Website: www.mahagenco.in