Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 Submitted for Inter-Ministerial Discussion

The draft of the National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026 has been sent to the Union Cabinet for inter-ministerial discussion. Power Secretary Pankaj Agarwal stated that stakeholder comments have been aggregated, and the Cabinet note for consultation has been moved.

The policy's objectives include ensuring adequate power availability with reliable and quality supply, meeting peak demand and energy requirements, and achieving financial turnaround and commercial viability within the electricity sector. This new policy aligns with the Viksit Bharat vision 2047.

Agarwal noted that the challenges facing the electricity sector have evolved significantly since the last NEP was notified in 2005. Current challenges focus on grid management and building transmission systems, particularly with over 300 gigawatts of non-fossil energy capacity. Grid stability is a key dimension of NEP 2026.

Efforts are also underway to develop chips for smart meters domestically to enhance the value chain. Chip developers and smart meter manufacturers are actively engaged in designing these components within the country.

ŠKODA JS to Supply Control Rod Drive Mechanisms for Rolls-Royce SMRs

ŠKODA JS has been awarded a contract to supply control rod drive mechanisms for the 470 MWe small modular reactors (SMRs) developed by Rolls-Royce SMR. These mechanisms are critical for controlling reactor power and ensuring safe operation through the precise movement of control rods. Each drive is an electromechanical linear motor, approximately eight meters long and weighing 450 kg, designed to manage the nuclear reactor across all operational modes.

This contract builds on previous collaborations between the two companies. Earlier this year, ŠKODA JS and Doosan Enerbility were selected by Rolls-Royce SMR for pre-production work on key components, including the reactor pressure vessel. This initial phase focused on early supplier engagement, design finalization, and manufacturing readiness to support the timely delivery of the first power from the SMRs.

The partnership between ŠKODA JS and Rolls-Royce SMR is significant for the emerging global supply chain for SMRs. ŠKODA JS is part of the Czech majority state-owned CEZ Group, which also holds a 20% stake in UK-based Rolls-Royce SMR. This collaboration is expected to strengthen energy security and self-sufficiency, create new jobs, and foster further investments.

The first Rolls-Royce SMR unit is planned for construction in North Wales, UK. In the Czech Republic, the first SMR is slated for the Temelín site, with an anticipated operational date in the second half of the 2030s. Plans include an additional five or six units across three sites in the Czech Republic. Rolls-Royce SMR was selected by ČEZ in October 2024 to deploy up to 3 GW of electricity in the Czech Republic. In June 2025, Rolls-Royce SMR was chosen as the UK government's preferred technology for its initial SMR project, with Wylfa on Anglesey, North Wales, identified as the site for three units, potentially accommodating up to eight SMRs. A final investment decision for the UK project is expected in 2029.

ŠKODA JS has extensive experience in nuclear power plant construction and servicing, including manufacturing 21 VVER-440 reactors and three VVER-1000 reactors. The company provides engineering, equipment, and servicing for nuclear power plants, research reactors, and spent nuclear fuel storage facilities across Central and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, France, Germany, the USA, Austria, Finland, Belgium, the UK, China, and Armenia.

Tamil Nadu Reviews Power Infrastructure and Supply Ahead of Summer 2027

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay recently reviewed the state's power supply, grid management, and consumer services. The review addressed current power demand, generation capacity, and the gap between supply and demand. Officials outlined challenges such as rising demand, restrictions on power procurement, coal supply constraints, high gas-based generation costs, and unexpected outages at central generating stations.

A comprehensive action plan is being developed to meet projected peak power demand for summer 2027. The state's distribution network faces issues including aging equipment, grid congestion from heavy loads, severe weather impacts, and frontline staff shortages. To strengthen infrastructure, TNEB officials are deploying additional transformers, installing new lines, replacing old components, and reinforcing field teams for faster fault resolution. Consumer services are also being improved through digital channels, faster grievance redressal, and upgraded service centers.

The Chief Minister inspected the State Load Despatch Centre and the Chennai Distribution SCADA Control Centre to observe real-time monitoring of power generation, procurement, demand, and grid balancing. He also visited the 24/7 'Minnagam' consumer service helpline. Directives were issued for uninterrupted power supply, prompt action on complaints, and prevention of electrical accidents. The board was instructed to promote rooftop solar systems and accelerate the introduction of a Battery Energy Storage System policy, expansion of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition technology, and completion of ongoing power generation projects.