Power

India Extends Oil and Gas Block Bidding Deadline to Boost Exploration Interest

The Indian government has extended the submission deadline for the tenth round of oil and gas block auctions under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP-X) to December 31, 2025, allowing exploration and production companies additional time to finalize their bids.

National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has commissioned an 800 MW thermal power unit at its Patratu plant in Jharkhand, marking a significant expansion in India’s energy infrastructure. The new unit, equipped with modern technology for improved efficiency and lower emissions, strengthens NTPC’s capacity to meet growing domestic electricity demand. This development aligns with India’s broader energy strategy, which balances thermal power expansion with sustainability and grid stability objectives.

South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL), one of India’s largest coal producers, is experiencing delays in key coal mining projects, raising concerns over production shortfalls and supply chain disruptions. The setbacks, attributed to regulatory approvals, land acquisition challenges, and logistical bottlenecks, could impact both domestic power generation and industrial coal consumption.

Power Grid Expands Portfolio with New Transmission Projects Worth Rs. 3,375 Crore

Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. (POWERGRID), the country’s leading power transmission utility, has announced the acquisition of three new transmission projects worth a cumulative Rs. 3,375 crore. The move underscores the company’s continued leadership in expanding India’s electricity infrastructure and strengthening grid reliability.

India’s coal imports registered a marginal decline in August, reflecting adjustments in domestic consumption patterns and stable production from local mines. Despite minor dips in import volumes, demand for thermal and industrial coal remains resilient due to ongoing electricity generation requirements and industrial activity. Analysts note that while India continues to rely on imported coal to supplement domestic output, the reduction highlights improved supply chain efficiencies and inventory management.

The Indian government has issued directives to power utilities nationwide following multiple failures of Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission towers, underscoring concerns over grid stability and infrastructure resilience. These towers, critical for transmitting electricity across states, have experienced structural collapses due to aging infrastructure, environmental factors, and insufficient maintenance. Authorities are now mandating rigorous inspection schedules, preventive maintenance protocols, and rapid repair mechanisms to mitigate future disruptions.

Mahesh Sharma has been appointed as the Director of Finance at NHPC Limited, India’s premier hydropower company. The appointment comes at a time when NHPC is focused on expanding renewable energy capacity, optimizing financial performance, and leveraging sustainable funding mechanisms for large-scale infrastructure projects. Sharma brings extensive experience in financial management, corporate strategy, and risk mitigation, positioning him to steer the company through an evolving energy and investment landscape.

Power & Instrumentation, a key player in industrial automation and instrumentation solutions, has secured a new order worth Rs. 21 crore, reinforcing its position in the engineering and energy sectors. The contract highlights the company’s capability to deliver high-precision instrumentation and power solutions across industrial projects. Market analysts interpret the deal as a testament to growing demand for advanced automation, smart energy management, and infrastructure modernization in India.

Global power management company Eaton has inaugurated a new Supply Chain Center in Pune, underscoring its commitment to strengthening operational efficiency and supporting global logistics. The facility is designed to enhance visibility, agility, and resilience across Eaton’s supply chain network while leveraging advanced analytics and automation. The center will play a pivotal role in integrating regional operations with Eaton’s global distribution framework, enabling faster decision-making and better resource management.

Toshiba has announced the deployment of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) monitoring systems across NTPC’s power plants, marking a significant step toward enhancing operational efficiency and predictive maintenance in India’s energy sector. The initiative leverages AI-driven analytics to optimize plant performance, reduce downtime, and improve safety protocols. Industry experts suggest that such technological integration not only strengthens energy reliability but also aligns with broader trends of digital transformation in utilities.