Indian Government Asks States to Speed Up Nuclear Power and Battery Storage Project Approvals

The Central Government has reportedly called on states and Union Territories to accelerate approvals and related processes for nuclear power projects and battery energy storage systems (BESS), as per The Economic Times report.  

The move comes as India seeks to strengthen its energy infrastructure to support increasing electricity requirements, including those expected from the expansion of data centres and artificial intelligence facilities. 

Focus On Nuclear Capacity and Storage Infrastructure 

The matter was discussed during the 11th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog, where it was highlighted that around 15 states and Union Territories require faster action on pending proposals.  

Ahead of the meeting, states were reminded about outstanding approvals related to nuclear plants and energy storage projects. 

NTPC has identified 32 locations for proposed nuclear power plants, although approvals such as land allocation remain pending in several states.  

India has also outlined a roadmap to expand nuclear power capacity to 100 GW from the current 8.78 GW. 

Battery Storage Projects Also Under Review 

Alongside nuclear expansion, the Centre is focusing on Battery Energy Storage Systems to improve renewable energy integration.  

The 13.85 GW BESS programme, supported by 40% Viability Gap Funding, is yet to be completed, with projects in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana still pending. 

According to the report, installed energy storage infrastructure currently includes 2.1 GW of BESS capacity and 7.2 GW of pumped storage projects. 

Demand Expected to Rise with AI and Data Centres 

Projected electricity consumption from data centres and AI facilities is expected to increase from 1.8 GW at present to 18 GW by 2032, prompting efforts to strengthen long-term power generation and storage capacity. 

During the discussions, Vikram Dev Dutt, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, emphasised the importance of resilient domestic supply chains, while the Centre continued engagements with states on project implementation and site development. 

Read More: AI-Linked Stock Rally Pushes Indian Companies Out of MSCI EM Top 10; HDFC Bank and Reliance Slip in Rankings! 

Conclusion 

With 32 potential nuclear project sites identified by NTPC and multiple battery storage initiatives under implementation, the Centre is seeking faster progress on approvals and project execution as it advances plans to expand India's power infrastructure.   

Want to read stock market updates in Hindi? Angel One News gives comprehensive share market news in Hindi.  

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.  

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.