Nuclear Industry Enters New Phase with Extended Plant Operations and Advanced Reactor Development

The nuclear industry is entering a new phase characterized by several key developments. Existing nuclear power plants are extending their operational lives beyond initial design expectations. Concurrently, new reactor technologies are transitioning from conceptual stages to active construction.

Investment in domestic manufacturing capabilities and fuel production is increasing. Utilities are actively working to strengthen their supply chains to ensure support for decades of future operations. This period of expansion and development coincides with a broader transition within the industry.

CPDL Secures 25-Year Solar and Battery Storage Agreement with SECI

Chandigarh Power Distribution Ltd (CPDL) announced a 25-year power purchase agreement with Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) to procure 50 MW of solar power, including battery energy storage, for Chandigarh. This initiative is projected to supply around 135 million units of electricity annually, contributing to a reduction of over 96 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

The agreement, signed under SECI's Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) Tranche XX, will utilize solar power to meet daytime electricity demand. The integrated battery storage system will store excess electricity for supply during nighttime hours or when solar generation is unavailable, enhancing the city's power management capabilities. This marks Chandigarh's first solar power connection to the ISTS, advancing its renewable energy integration efforts.

Waaree Transpower to Invest ₹192 Crore in New Transformer Manufacturing Facility

Waaree Transpower, a subsidiary of Waaree Energies Ltd, will invest approximately ₹192 crore to construct a new transformer manufacturing facility. The facility is projected to be operational by April 2027 and will enable the production of transformers for 132 kV, 220 kV, and 400 kV voltage classes. This investment is intended to bolster the company's capacity to address the growing demand within India's power transmission and renewable energy sectors.

The new facility, designed for 500 MVA, 400 kV manufacturing, reflects confidence in the expansion of India's power infrastructure and the rising need for reliable, high-voltage transformation capacity. The company's current order book stands at approximately ₹360 crore for execution during FY 2026–27, providing a foundation for its growth and capacity expansion. This initiative supports the integration of large-scale renewable energy generation and energy storage into the grid by strengthening transmission and distribution infrastructure.