BARC Seeks Industry Partners for 300 MW Bharat SMR

The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is exploring industry participation for the investment and commercialization of its indigenous 300 MW Bharat Small Modular Reactor (BSMR-300). Initial discussions have been held with NTPC Limited, Reliance Industries Limited, Adani Group, and Larsen & Toubro Limited.

BARC is considering the establishment of an industry-backed special purpose vehicle (SPV) that would hold the intellectual property rights for the reactor. The BSMR-300 has a targeted capital expenditure of Rs 300 million per MW, indicating an approximate cost of Rs 90 billion for a 300 MW unit.

A request for proposal (RFP) is anticipated to formalize the industry participation process. The specific investment commitments and the ownership structure of the proposed SPV are yet to be finalized.

Om Power Transmission Limited Secures 220 kV AIS Switchyard Contract

Om Power Transmission Limited has received a letter of award from Hild Projects Private Limited for the establishment of a 220 kV AIS switchyard. This project supports a 600 MW solar power plant developed by NTPC, located in Bhuj, Gujarat. The contract's value is Rs 406.9 million, not including goods and services tax.

The scope of work for Om Power Transmission Limited encompasses several key areas. These include the design of the switchyard, the supply of necessary equipment, and civil construction activities. Additionally, the company will be responsible for the installation of electrical equipment, as well as the testing and commissioning of the 220 kV AIS switchyard. The execution of this order is scheduled to be completed within 10 months from the date the letter of award was issued.

Shakti Pumps Invests in 2.2 GW Solar Manufacturing Plant

Shakti Pumps (India) Limited has invested Rs 110 million in its wholly owned subsidiary, Shakti Energy Solutions Limited (SESL). This investment, made through the subscription of equity shares, is designated for the establishment of a new manufacturing facility in Pithampur, Madhya Pradesh.

The greenfield plant will have a production capacity of 2.2 GW and will focus on manufacturing high-efficiency solar domestic content requirement (DCR) cells and solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. SESL, which currently produces solar structures and solar rooftop solutions, is expanding its operations to include these new product lines.