India to Increase Thermal Power Capacity Projections Amid Rising Demand

India is expected to increase its thermal power capacity additions to address rising electricity demand. Ghanshyam Prasad, chairperson of the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), stated that the projected additional thermal capacity, initially 97 GW, was revised to 105 GW and is now expected to reach 115 GW. This capacity is anticipated to be required by approximately FY32-FY34.

The country's current thermal power capacity stands at 252.5 GW, accounting for about 45% of the total installed capacity. Power demand has increased by over 10% year-on-year, driven by high cooling and irrigation needs. Peak power demand reached 271 GW in May and September.

Despite the focus on thermal capacity, renewable energy additions are expected to continue at a rapid pace. India added over 50 GW of renewable energy capacity in FY26, and this growth is projected to continue annually. However, high plant load factors for coal-based units have led to concerns regarding fuel availability due to stock depletion and the inability of many thermal power plants to undergo maintenance shutdowns because of sustained high power demand since March.

Westinghouse Advances Nuclear Projects in Poland and the Netherlands

Westinghouse has initiated the long-lead-item procurement process for the first of three planned AP1000 units in Poland. The company has also signed conditional purchase orders as part of its efforts to construct the first nuclear power plant in the country.

In the Netherlands, Westinghouse announced a partnership with Hyundai Engineering & Construction. This collaboration focuses on the front-end engineering design (FEED) phase for a project that aims to deploy two large-scale reactors.

Nuclear Industry Focuses on Durability in Operations and Policy

Durability is a key focus in nuclear plant maintenance and a growing watchword in nuclear policy. Utilities are making significant investments in their facilities, reflecting confidence in the long-term viability of nuclear power and the demand for stable baseload electricity.

Recent initiatives highlight this trend. Energy Northwest is undertaking a substantial uprate project at its Columbia plant. The Tennessee Valley Authority is investing in new equipment to maintain water intake systems at Browns Ferry. Additionally, American Electric Power has successfully improved supply chain efficiency and vendor relationships at D.C. Cook.

Policy and Regulatory Changes

Beyond plant operations, durability and stability are also being sought in nuclear policy. Over the past 18 months, the Trump administration has introduced numerous nuclear energy policy initiatives. These include Part 53, the Department of Energy Reactor Pilot Program, domestic enrichment and High-Assay Low-Enriched Uranium (HALEU) programs, and Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses.

Significant changes are also being implemented at both the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with the aim of accelerating regulatory approvals for nuclear projects and technologies.