Tata Consulting Engineers Advocates for Increased Private Sector Role in India's Nuclear Program

Tata Consulting Engineers (TCE) believes the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) should prioritize strategic objectives and increase collaboration with the private sector in nuclear energy. TCE's managing director and chief executive, Amit Sharma, suggested the DAE could emulate the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in fostering private sector growth. Sharma stated that the DAE's core identity should remain focused on national strategic objectives, with the private sector taking a more prominent role in nuclear energy production.

TCE is engaged with various groups, including Reliance Industries and Bajajs, to conduct feasibility studies for nuclear power plant development. The company anticipates a rise in interest for smaller plants, including small modular reactors (SMRs), which are expected to mature by fiscal year 2031. These 200-300 MW plants could attract captive power producers and data center operators. Sharma also emphasized the necessity of establishing an independent regulatory apparatus, moving beyond the current Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB).

India Considers Increased Power Flow to Nepal Amidst Flood-Induced Deficits

Indian authorities are processing requests from Nepal to facilitate increased power flow. Nepal has sought advance import approvals, effective September, to mitigate generation deficits resulting from recent flash floods. Traditionally, Nepal imports electricity from India during the lean winter months, beginning in October. The recent floods in the Trishuli and Lhende Khola river basins on August 26 caused significant damage to power generation units in Nepal, reducing its domestic generation capacity by approximately 550 MW.

Despite the reduction in Nepal's export capacity to India by about 400 MW from its peak, Indian power ministry officials do not anticipate a need for emergency procurement to balance domestic demand. India's national grid capacity and generation reserve margins are considered sufficient to absorb this temporary shortfall without disrupting grid stability. Major cross-border transmission corridors, such as the 400 kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur link, remain operational. Key projects in Nepal developed by Indian public sector undertakings, including the 900 MW Arun-3 and 669 MW Lower Arun projects, are located in unaffected areas and are proceeding on schedule.

KSEB Seeks Regulatory Approval for Short-Term Power Purchases

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has requested ratification from the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission for its short-term power purchase agreements covering September 1, 2026, to May 15, 2027. The procurement process, conducted via the Union ministry of power’s DEEP e-bidding portal, received approval from KSEB’s full-time directors on August 17. A provisional letter of award was issued on August 7, ahead of the bids' expiration on August 9.

The tender resulted in power purchase rates ranging from ₹6.5/unit to ₹12.5/unit. The lowest rate was for round-the-clock power in September, while the highest rates were observed for peak and early-morning time blocks later in the procurement period. For instance, round-the-clock power in April 2027 was priced between ₹6.99-₹7.1/unit. Peak-hour rates (6:30 PM-midnight) reached ₹9.42/unit in November and December, increasing to ₹11/unit in April and May. Rates for the midnight-5 AM block varied from ₹7.7/unit in January and February to ₹10.47/unit in April, with some May bids at ₹12.5/unit.

KSEB attributed the need for these purchases to an anticipated power deficit, scheduled maintenance of generating stations, and increased summer demand. The board is also seeking regulatory approval for the associated additional expenditure and its recovery mechanism.