India Faces Transmission Infrastructure Shortfall Amidst Renewable Energy Growth

Despite adding a record 38 GW of solar capacity in 2025, pushing non-fossil sources past 50% of installed generation, India is curtailing a growing share of its solar power. Between April and June 2026, 8,133 GWh of solar power was curtailed, highlighting that transmission, not generation, is the primary constraint on India's energy transition. The country built only 8,830 circuit kilometers of new lines in FY25, falling 42% short of its 15,253 km target.

The Central Electricity Authority estimates that India requires ₹9.15 lakh crore in transmission investment and 191,000 circuit kilometers of new lines by 2032. Current 25-year fixed-price Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are deemed unsuitable for the dynamic nature of renewable energy, leading to grid inflexibility. Reforms are proposed, including establishing a unified authority for transmission projects, evolving PPA structures towards shorter-tenure and flexible contracts, mandating co-located battery storage, implementing interconnection reforms, and incentivizing large consumers to locate near renewable hubs.

National Laboratories Partner on 3D-Printed Nuclear Pressure Vessels

Collaboration Focuses on Advanced Manufacturing

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) have announced a joint effort to assist industry in developing wire arc 3D printing processes for industrial pressure vessels. These vessels are critical components in both nuclear energy and chemical processing applications.

The collaboration seeks to demonstrate, validate, and qualify advanced manufacturing technologies. This strategic approach is intended to mitigate risks associated with new manufacturing methods, expedite their adoption, and bolster domestic supply chains. The ultimate goal is to support America's energy future through enhanced manufacturing capabilities.

Impact on Nuclear Supply Chains

The development and qualification of 3D printing for pressure vessels could significantly impact the nuclear supply chain. By enabling the domestic production of these complex components through advanced manufacturing, the initiative aims to reduce reliance on traditional manufacturing methods and potentially shorten lead times.

This partnership between national laboratories and industry is designed to foster innovation in manufacturing, which is essential for the deployment of new nuclear technologies and the maintenance of existing infrastructure. The focus on validating these technologies is crucial for ensuring they meet the stringent safety and performance standards required for nuclear applications.

Posiva Initiates Deposition Hole Drilling at Onkalo Repository

Drilling Operations Underway

Posiva has begun drilling the first deposition hole at the Onkalo repository in the Olkiluoto bedrock, more than 400 meters below the surface. The operation commenced after a safety and technical review meeting. The Deposition Hole Boring Machine (DHBM), manufactured by Herrenknecht AG, was delivered to the Onkalo site in June 2022. This machine, weighing 78 tonnes, is over 9 meters long, 3 meters wide, and nearly 4 meters tall. The drilling complex also includes a 7-meter, 22-tonne energy unit and an 18.5-tonne drill processing plant.

Prior to this, Herrenknecht AG's crew conducted test drilling of four holes in late 2022, followed by Posiva's crew drilling an additional four test holes with supplier assistance. The current deposition hole is being drilled vertically into the floor of an excavated final disposal tunnel. Upon completion, it will be 8.4 meters deep and 1.75 meters in diameter. A strict tolerance of 25 millimeters deviation from the vertical centerline is enforced along the entire length of the hole. The first three holes will undergo additional measurements upon completion to ensure compliance. If the deviation exceeds the permitted limit, the hole will be rejected for final disposal.

Repository Development and Future Plans

Kimmo Lehtola, Posiva's Construction Manager for Operations, stated that drilling an 8-meter hole at Onkalo typically takes about ten hours of effective drilling time. The objective is to achieve a production rate of approximately two finished deposition holes per working week once the process is fully integrated into normal operations. The first final disposal tunnel, approximately 330 meters long, is designed to accommodate around 30 drilled deposition holes.

The Onkalo repository, located near the Olkiluoto nuclear power plant, was selected in 2000. Posiva, jointly owned by Fortum and Teollisuuden Voima Oyj (TVO), submitted its construction license application in December 2013, which was granted in November 2015. Construction began a year later. In July 2022, Posiva announced the completion of excavation for the first five disposal tunnels, totaling about 1700 meters. Over the 100-year operational period, an estimated 100 deposition tunnels, with a total length of approximately 35 kilometers, will be excavated. Posiva submitted its operating license application for the encapsulation plant and final disposal facility in December 2021, seeking approval for operations from March 2024 to the end of 2070. The Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) has indicated that safety requirements for the operating license have been met, with a government decision anticipated in the autumn. Posiva's President and CEO, Ilkka Poikolainen, aims for operational readiness by the end of 2026.