Industry news
India's data center capacity is rapidly expanding, with a more than fourfold increase projected between 2020 and 2026. This growth necessitates robust infrastructure planning, including reliable, low-carbon power sources. Nuclear energy, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), is being considered to meet future demand.
India is preparing its power system for a significant increase in non-fossil energy, including nuclear power, with a transmission network planned for 900 GW by 2035-36. The country aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047, emphasizing the need for domestic manufacturing and robust grid technologies.
BNC Power Projects Limited has been awarded two engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts totaling over Rs 2.8 billion by Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL). These contracts aim to modernize and strengthen Maharashtra's extra high voltage (EHV) transmission network by converting existing air-insulated substations (AIS) into gas-insulated substations (GIS). The projects are slated for completion within 15 months and are expected to enhance operational efficiency in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region and Konkan region.
LS Electric and GE Vernova have established a joint venture, Grid X Technology, to enhance their competitiveness in the voltage-sourced converter-high voltage direct current (VSC-HVDC) market and support South Korea's next-generation grid.
Maharashtra's state-run power companies, including Mahatransco, MSEDCL, and Mahagenco, will not be privatized. The government plans to restructure MSEDCL, aiming to make it debt-free and improve efficiency, with an initial public offering (IPO) in the works to strengthen its financial position and manage liabilities.
India's peak power demand reached 260 GW in September, an unusually high level for the month, putting pressure on thermal power projects. Reduced hydro generation and increased demand for irrigation contributed to the surge. Critically low coal inventories at 58 thermal plants have prompted government and coal companies to increase supplies and improve rake loading.
The ITER Organization has announced substantial progress in the assembly and installation phases of the international fusion project. Teams are actively engaged in multiple key activities to advance the complex endeavor.
Harsh Shah, Managing Director of IndiGrid Infrastructure, emphasized the need for integrated planning across generation, storage, transmission, and distribution to ensure reliable electricity delivery in India.
The rapid expansion of AI and data centers in India is creating a significant increase in concentrated electricity demand, necessitating integrated planning for power, transmission, water, and cooling infrastructure. Industry and policy experts emphasize the need for regulatory frameworks to adapt to these energy-intensive consumers.
Government and industry leaders at the ET Energy Leadership Summit 2026 emphasized that the next phase of power-sector growth in India hinges on the development of transmission, storage, and distribution infrastructure to keep pace with rising renewable capacity and electricity demand.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in New Delhi to discuss various bilateral issues, including nuclear energy cooperation. Russia aims to advance discussions on constructing additional nuclear power plants in India.
The United States faces increasing energy demand driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, manufacturing, electrification, and national security infrastructure. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are identified as a key component in addressing this demand for reliable, affordable, and secure power. However, the rapid deployment of new nuclear capacity will necessitate more than just innovative reactor designs; it will require experienced partners proficient in licensing, environmental permitting, engineering, project delivery, and long-term operational management.