Northeastern States Seek Central Aid for Power Grid Modernization

Power ministers from the Northeastern states have called for greater financial support from the Centre to upgrade the regional power grid and execute key projects aimed at improving electricity supply. This appeal was made during a meeting with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar in New Delhi.

The delegation, led by North Eastern Regional Power Committee (NERPC) chairman and Meghalaya power minister Metbah Lyngdoh, emphasized the need for funds for grid modernization. They also sought special assistance for projects already submitted under the Power System Development Fund (PSDF). Priority projects identified include Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) or Energy Management System (EMS) and Emergency Restoration System (ERS), for which central support is requested.

Ministers highlighted challenges in implementing power infrastructure projects due to the region's difficult terrain, which often necessitates long transmission lines to reach remote settlements. They stressed the need for additional substations in far-flung areas to ensure reliable power supply. Mizoram power minister F Rodingliana urged for a more transparent and effective mechanism for utilizing the 10 percent Gross Budgetary Support (GBS) allocated to the Northeast by 54 Union ministries, and sought a larger allocation specifically for the power sector.

Union Power Minister Khattar indicated he would discuss the funding requirements with the Union Finance Minister. However, he noted that the Centre might not cover the entire cost of all proposed projects, requiring state contributions. Khattar also urged states to accelerate smart meter installations and implement "check meters" for consumer verification, while emphasizing efforts to reduce transmission losses and promote commercialization in the power sector.

NTPC Plans Significant Nuclear Power Expansion by 2047

NTPC has outlined an ambitious growth roadmap, targeting 149 GW of installed power generation capacity by 2032 and 244 GW by 2037. This expansion is supported by a planned cumulative capital expenditure of approximately ₹16.86 lakh crore, allocated across thermal, renewable, hydro, storage, mining, and nuclear energy projects.

Nuclear energy is identified as a significant future growth driver for NTPC. The company aims to contribute around 30 GW of nuclear power capacity to India's target of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047. Currently, NTPC is progressing with the 2.8 GW Mahi Banswara nuclear project in Rajasthan and is evaluating further opportunities in multiple states.

The company's installed capacity has reached approximately 89 GW, with a project pipeline of nearly 35.7 GW. NTPC reported a consolidated profit after tax of ₹27,546 crore in FY26, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. The company's balance sheet remains robust, with an improved debt-equity ratio of 1.32 despite increased capital expenditure.

India to Launch New Battery Component Incentive Program

India is nearing the rollout of a new incentive program for advanced battery cell component makers, valued at up to Rs 13,000 crore ($1.37 billion). This program is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strategy to close the cost gap with Chinese producers and bolster the domestic battery supply chain. While India currently offers subsidies for cells used in electric vehicles and energy storage, local battery manufacturers have encountered supply chain challenges.

The proposed financial support seeks to stimulate the manufacturing of essential battery parts, including anode and cathode active materials, electrolytes, separator film, and copper foil. Policymakers in India view the current reliance on Chinese suppliers for these components as a strategic vulnerability. The initiative is designed to improve energy security by cultivating a local battery supply chain, which the government considers a priority.

This new effort builds on an existing 50-gigawatt-hour advanced battery incentive program. However, recipients of that program have faced delays in meeting production milestones due to factors such as technology unavailability, lack of skilled labor, critical imported equipment, and the scarcity of upstream components.