US Agencies Collaborate on Maritime Nuclear Development

The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a global maritime classification society, and the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy have entered into an agreement to support the development of maritime nuclear applications. This initiative encompasses floating power solutions, nuclear-powered vessels, and the establishment of ports, shipyards, and an industrial base to build and maintain these assets.

Key objectives of the agreement include conducting concept and feasibility studies for floating nuclear power and nuclear transportation corridors. It also aims to foster a shipbuilding sector in the United States capable of safely constructing and operating nuclear-powered assets. The American Bureau of Shipping will co-manage the Maritime Nuclear Applications Group research hub and resource center, which is aligned with the Department of Energy's National Reactor Innovation Center. Additionally, ABS will provide technical, regulatory, economic, and policy support for concept and feasibility studies. This work will be coordinated through the US Maritime Administration's US Center for Maritime Innovation.

Industry Perspectives

John McDonald, Chairman and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping, stated that advanced nuclear technology is transitioning from concept to application, necessitating the maritime industry's readiness. He noted that the agreement with the Department of Energy provides a framework to expand ongoing efforts, positioning ABS to facilitate the integration of nuclear energy into commercial maritime applications.

Ted Garrish, Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy, highlighted the potential of advanced nuclear technology to transform the commercial maritime industry and create new markets for American innovation. He emphasized that the partnership between the Department of Energy and the American Bureau of Shipping will leverage existing experience to safely introduce next-generation nuclear technologies to the maritime sector, aiming to establish the United States as a leader in this emerging industry.

India's Power Sector Anticipates Profit Growth in Q2FY27

The power sector in India is expected to see profit growth of up to 11% year-on-year in Q2FY27. This growth is attributed to strong electricity demand, improved plant load factors, and potential incentives for thermal power producers. Electricity demand in India increased by nearly 12% year-on-year to 163 billion units in September 2026, and by 11.7% to 503 billion units in Q2FY27. Peak power demand also surged by approximately 17.5% year-on-year to 269 GW in September 2026.

Thermal power contributed nearly 69% of the total generation in Q2FY27, with plant load factors reaching 68.3% from 61.9% in Q2FY26. Tighter supply conditions led to higher electricity prices on the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX). Solar-hour prices remained elevated at INR5.6/unit, while non-solar prices increased to INR9.5/unit in September 2026 from INR3.2/unit in September 2025. Electricity trading volumes on IEX rose by 10.4% year-on-year in September 2026 and by 12.7% in Q2FY27.

Coal stock at NTPC's plants was reduced to about seven days in September 2026, with an inventory of approximately 21 million tonnes, indicating a tight coal supply situation. Total renewable energy additions reached about 16.4 GW year-to-date until September 2026, with solar additions contributing approximately 14.3 GW.

Kalpataru Projects International Secures New Power Transmission Orders

Kalpataru Projects International Ltd (KPIL) has announced new orders valued at approximately ₹2,225 crore for its power transmission and distribution (T&D) business. These contracts span both India and international markets.

The company's T&D business has received orders and letters of comfort amounting to approximately ₹2,031 crore. Additionally, its Swedish subsidiary, Linjemontage i Grästorp AB, secured a contract worth around ₹194 crore.

KPIL attributes the demand for its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services to ongoing investments in transmission infrastructure, grid expansion, and renewable energy integration.

The contract awarded to Linjemontage involves the refurbishment and expansion of an existing 130-kV substation in Repbäcken, Borlänge, for the Swedish electricity distribution company Ellevio AB. This turnkey project includes the construction of a new substation, civil works, a control building, equipment installation, testing, and commissioning. The project is expected to conclude with a final inspection in October 2029, aiming to enhance capacity and redundancy within the electricity grid.