Category: oil-&-gas

JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal announced a Rs 16,000 crore investment to develop a 1,600 MW power project in Salboni, West Bengal, with plans to double its capacity in the future. The project will boost JSW Energy’s total generation capacity to 30 GW, aiming for 20 GW by 2030, further solidifying its position as a leading private-sector power producer.

Tata Power aims to enter the small modular nuclear reactor market, contingent on policy shifts and amendments to the Atomic Energy Act. CEO Praveer Sinha highlights potential customers like Tata Steel and Tata Motors. The company also plans to divest $1 billion in non-core international assets, focusing more on the Indian power sector and expanding its rooftop solar market share.

JSW Steel, Jindal Steel and Power, and numerous other companies have submitted a total of 70 bids for 20 coal blocks in the 11th round of commercial mining auctions. Among the companies, more than 15 new entrants, including a Coal India subsidiary, participated for the first time.

The Delhi High Court overturned the 2019 arbitral award directing NTPC to pay Rs 1891 crore damages to Jindal ITF Ltd for alleged wrongful termination of a coal transportation agreement. The court noted the award was patently illegal and violated public policy. The dispute centered on delays and responsibilities in the construction and transportation operations at NTPC’s Farakka plant.

Russian nuclear firm Rosatom has offered India its expertise in building small modular reactors (SMRs) and may explore setting them up in coastal areas. This collaboration could be a significant step toward achieving India’s target of 100 GW of nuclear energy by 2047.

In January, India’s power consumption rose by just 2.7% to 137.49 billion units due to reduced use of heating appliances amid warmer temperatures. The peak power demand also reached 237.30 GW. Above-normal temperatures and below-normal rainfall are predicted for February, indicating further subdued power demand.

India’s budget introduces changes in legislation to boost private participation in nuclear energy, aiming to add 100GW capacity by 2047. The move includes supporting research and development of small modular reactors with a `20,000 crore fund, signaling a significant shift towards nuclear power for sustainable base load energy.

The government plans to boost investment by nine state-owned power firms by nearly 21% to Rs 86,138.48 crore for 2025-26. Key investments include NTPC, which will rise to Rs 26,000 crore, and Power Grid Corp, increasing to Rs 25,000 crore. The Ministry of Power’s budget is also set to increase.