In News:

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) has selected Standard Nuclear as the first company to establish a domestic supply chain for TRi-structural ISOtropic (TRISO) nuclear fuel, marking a major step toward reducing dependence on Russian uranium and advancing nuclear innovation. The initiative, part of DOE’s Fuel Line Pilot Program (2025), is designed to strengthen US energy security, promote private sector participation, and accelerate the deployment of advanced nuclear reactors.

Why TRISO Matters

TRISO is a next-generation nuclear fuel specifically engineered for high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) and molten salt-cooled reactors, both of which fall under Generation IV (Gen-IV) advanced reactor designs.

• Composition: TRISO fuel consists of a uranium–carbon–oxygen fuel kernel encapsulated by three protective layers of carbon and ceramic materials.
• Form: The particles are extremely small—seed-sized—and can be fabricated into cylindrical pellets or “pebbles.”
• Key Features:
  • Extreme durability: Resistant to neutron irradiation, corrosion, oxidation, and very high temperatures.
  • Self-containment: Each particle acts as its own containment system, preventing radiation leakage even under extreme reactor conditions.
  • Versatility: Compatible with multiple advanced reactor designs, including small modular reactors (SMRs).

This makes TRISO structurally and functionally superior to conventional nuclear fuels, ensuring safer, more reliable, and more efficient reactor performance.

Strategic Implications

• Energy Security & Supply Chains
  • The US has historically relied on imports of enriched uranium, particularly from Russia.
  • By developing domestic TRISO production in Tennessee and Idaho, the DOE seeks to build a resilient nuclear fuel ecosystem independent of geopolitical disruptions.
• Advanced Reactor Deployment
  • DOE’s Advanced Reactor Demonstration Program targets at least three new advanced reactor designs to achieve criticality by July 4, 2026.
  • TRISO fuel is central to this push, enabling safer operation of SMRs and Gen-IV reactors, both of which are crucial to America’s clean energy transition.
• Private–Public Partnership
  • Standard Nuclear will finance construction, operation, and decommissioning of TRISO fabrication facilities.
  • Reactor developers will source nuclear material feedstock, partly through DOE’s high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) allocation program.
• Technological Momentum
  • Other firms, such as BWX Technologies (BWXT), have also developed TRISO production lines, including uranium nitride TRISO, in collaboration with Idaho and Oak Ridge National Laboratories.
  • These advancements reinforce US leadership in nuclear innovation while supporting its broader climate and national security goals.

In News:

India is set to launch its carbon credit trading market in 2026, with biochar emerging as a promising carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technology. Biochar is a carbon-rich, porous, and stable substance produced through pyrolysis (burning biomass without oxygen) ofagricultural residue and municipal solid waste. It offers multiple co-benefits spanning climate mitigation, agriculture, energy, construction, and wastewater treatment.

India’s Untapped Biochar Potential

• Resource base: India generates 600+ million tonnes of agricultural residue and 60+ million tonnes of municipal solid waste annually, much of which is burnt or dumped, causing air pollution and GHG emissions.
• Carbon removal: Converting 30–50% of surplus biomass can yield 15–26 million tonnes of biochar, sequestering ~0.1 gigatonne of CO?-eq annually.
• Byproducts:
  • Syngas (20–30 MT): Can generate 8–13 TWh electricity, replacing 0.4–0.7 MT coal/year.
  • Bio-oil (24–40 MT): Can offset 8% of diesel/kerosene demand, reducing >2% of India’s fossil-fuel-based emissions.
• Employment: Village-level pyrolysis units could create 5.2 lakh rural jobs, linking waste management with livelihoods.

Multi-Sectoral Applications

1.Agriculture and Soil Health

• Enhances soil organic carbon and fertility.
• Improves water retention, critical for semi-arid regions.
• Reduces fertilizer needs by 10–20% and increases crop yields by 10–25%.
• Cuts N?O emissions by 30–50% (273× more potent than CO?).
• Example: Andhra Pradesh’s Community Managed Natural Farming has piloted biochar to improve soil quality.

2. Energy and Fuel Substitution

• Syngas and bio-oil provide renewable energy for rural micro-grids and transport.
• Example: Maharashtra pilot projects use pyrolysis gas to replace diesel generators.

3. Construction Sector

• Adding 2–5% biochar to concrete:
  • Increases mechanical strength and heat resistance (+20%).
  • Sequesters ~115 kg CO? per cubic metre.
  • Offers a green alternative to cement, key for India’s infrastructure push.
• Example: IIT-Madras research shows biochar-concrete mix lowers embodied carbon in buildings.

4. Wastewater Treatment

• 1 kg biochar can treat 200–500 litres of wastewater.
• With India producing 70 billion litres/day (72% untreated), biochar offers low-cost, decentralised treatment solutions for rural and urban areas.

In News:

India’s nuclear regulator, the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), has granted the Licence for Operation of Units 3 and 4 of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat — India’s first indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs).

Key Highlights:

• Operational Approval: The AERB concluded multi-stage design and commissioning safety reviews before granting the licence for both reactors.
  • KAPS-3: Achieved full-power commissioning in August 2023.
  • KAPS-4: Achieved full-power commissioning in August 2024.
• Licence Details:
  • Issued on July 3, 2025.
  • Valid for a period of five years.
  • Granted to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).

Significance of the Development:

• These reactors are part of India’s first fleet of 700 MWe PHWRs, marking a major milestone in the country’s indigenous nuclear energy capabilities.
• The licensing process involved rigorous multi-tiered safety assessments spanning the full lifecycle:
  • Siting
  • Construction
  • Commissioning
  • Full-power operation
• Review was conducted with contributions from AERB and technical support organisations, involving over 15 years of evaluation.

India’s PHWR Progression:

• The 700 MWe PHWR design is an upgraded version of the 540 MWe model.
• A similar 700 MWe reactor began commercial operation at Rawatbhata (Rajasthan) in March 2025.

Broader Impact:

• The licence is a boost to NPCIL’s fleet-mode approach, which involves building 10 such 700 MWe PHWRs across India.
• It reinforces India’s commitment to self-reliance in nuclear technology under the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
• It enhances the nation's ability to meet low-carbon energy targets through domestic nuclear capacity.

In News:

In a transformative move aimed at digitising India’s power sector, the Ministry of Power has announced the conception of the India Energy Stack (IES) — a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative designed to build a unified, secure, and interoperable digital ecosystem across the energy value chain.

This effort aligns with India’s goals of achieving a $5 trillion economy and meeting its Net Zero commitments, while addressing the growing complexities of a rapidly evolving energy landscape marked by renewables, electric vehicles, and consumer-centric markets.

What is India Energy Stack (IES)?

The India Energy Stack is envisioned as a standardised, open, and secure digital infrastructure to:

• Streamline operations in the power sector
• Empower consumers with access to real-time, consent-based data
• Integrate renewable energy into the national grid
• Enhance the efficiency of Distribution Companies (DISCOMs)

The initiative is spearheaded by the Ministry of Power, drawing inspiration from successful DPI models like Aadhaar (identity) and UPI (digital payments).

Core Features of IES

• Unique IDs: Assigned to consumers, assets, and energy transactions
• Real-time Data Sharing: Consent-based access for secure and accountable data exchange
• Open APIs: Enabling seamless integration across utility systems and third-party applications
• Consumer Empowerment Tools: Market access platforms, billing transparency, demand response options, and innovation support
• Interoperability: Standardised protocols for all stakeholders in the electricity ecosystem

Implementation Strategy

1. Proof of Concept (PoC) – 12 Months

A year-long pilot phase will test the India Energy Stack using real-world scenarios in partnership with selected utilities and DISCOMs.

2. Utility Intelligence Platform (UIP)

The UIP is a modular, analytics-driven application built on the India Energy Stack. It aims to:

• Provide real-time insights to utilities, policymakers, and regulators
• Enable smart energy management
• Enhance decision-making for grid operations and consumer services

3. Pilot Regions

The PoC will be conducted in collaboration with DISCOMs in:

• Mumbai
• Gujarat
• Delhi

Institutional Framework

• A dedicated Task Force has been established by the Ministry of Power.
• It includes experts from:
  • Technology domain
  • Power sector operations
  • Regulatory bodies
• The Task Force will guide:
  • System architecture design
  • Pilot implementation
  • National scale-up strategy

Expected Outcomes

• India Energy Stack White Paper for public consultation
• UIP deployment in pilot cities
• National roadmap for phased rollout of IES across all states and UTs
• Improved grid stability, energy access, and transparency in service delivery
• Enhanced integration of renewable energy sources into the mainstream grid

Significance for India’s Power Sector

The India Energy Stack has the potential to be a game-changer for the power sector, enabling:

• Modernisation of legacy systems
• Digital empowerment of consumers
• Efficient energy trading and billing
• Decentralised and democratised power governance

As India undergoes its green energy transition, IES will serve as the digital spine supporting clean, accountable, and consumer-centric power distribution.

In News:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently dedicated Unit-1 (660 MW) of the Ghatampur Thermal Power Project, located in Kanpur Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, marking a major step forward in India’s thermal power capacity and energy security goals.

Project Overview

• Location: Ghatampur, Kanpur Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh
• Implementing Agency: Neyveli Uttar Pradesh Power Ltd (NUPPL) — a joint venture between
  • NLC India Ltd (51% share)
  • Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) (49% share)
• Total Capacity: 3 units × 660 MW = 1,980 MW
• Project Cost: ?21,780.94 crore

Commissioning Timeline

• Unit-1 (660 MW): Commissioned in December 2024, dedicated in May 2025
• Remaining Units: Expected to be operational by December 2025

Power Distribution Agreement

• Uttar Pradesh: Receives 75.12% (1,487.28 MW) of the total power
• Assam: Allocated 24.88% (492.72 MW), subject to transfer of 20% equity from UPRVUNL to Assam Government

Technological and Environmental Features

• Efficient Supercritical Technology:Utilizes supercritical boilers with 88.81% efficiency, reducing fuel usage and emissions.
• Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD):Ensures no industrial wastewater release, protecting surrounding land and water bodies.
• Air Pollution Control:Equipped with modern pollution mitigation systems:
  • Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) – Controls NOx emissions
  • Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) – Reduces SOx emissions
  • Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) and Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (AAQMS) – Ensure real-time pollution tracking
• Water Conservation Measures:
  • 288 km of canal lining saves approx. 195 million litres/day
  • Raw water storage capacity of 46 lakh cubic meters

Fuel Security

• The plant sources coal from its own captive mine, producing 9 million tonnes annually.
• It maintains a 30-day coal stockpile, equivalent to 10.165 lakh tonnes, ensuring uninterrupted operation.