India to explore 6km inside the ocean to power EVs

23 May 2024 CW Team

India is diving deep into the ocean in a quest for minerals crucial for powering the next generation of electric vehicles and solar panels, setting the stage for an underwater competition with China. The country has applied to the United Nations' International Seabed Authority (ISA) for permission to explore the Carlsberg Ridge and Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount (ANS) in the Indian Ocean, known for their cobalt and manganese reserves essential for battery production and solar energy. We recognise the strategic importance of these regions, especially with competition from other nations like China, remarked M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. Presently, India holds exploration licenses for polymetallic nodules in the central Indian Ocean and polymetallic sulphides near Mauritius. These efforts aim to reduce India's reliance on imported minerals like cobalt and pave the way for sustainable resource extraction from the ocean depths. With advanced mining technologies and significant mineral reserves identified, India is setto unlock the vast potential lying beneath the ocean's surface. (Source: Economic Times)

Infrastructure Energy

14 Oct 2025

Mizoram To Build Rs 139 Billion Pumped Storage Power Plant

Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma on Friday announced plans to construct a 2,400 MW pumped storage hydroelectric power plant in Hnahthial district, marking a major step towards achieving energy self-sufficiency in the state. Addressing the Mizo Students’ Union general conference in Hnahthial town, the Chief Minister said the plant would be developed across the Darzo Nallah, a tributary of the Tuipui river. Once operational, the project is expected to play a pivotal role in meeting Mizoram’s rising electricity demand and reducing dependence on imported power. Officials from the State Power..

Centre Plans Nationwide Opening Of Power Retail Market

India is preparing to open up its retail electricity market to private companies nationwide, effectively ending the long-standing monopoly of state-run power distributors in most regions, according to a draft bill released by the Union Power Ministry on Friday. The move will enable major private sector players — including Adani Enterprises, Tata Power, Torrent Power, and CESC — to expand their presence across the country’s electricity distribution landscape. A similar reform attempt in 2022 had faced strong opposition from state-run distribution companies (discoms), which currently dom..

CEA Sets 100 GW Nuclear Target For India By 2047

In a landmark step marking its 52nd Foundation Day, the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) unveiled an ambitious roadmap to develop 100 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity by 2047, aligning with India’s long-term Net-Zero commitment and energy security objectives. The event, held at the Central Water Commission auditorium in New Delhi’s R.K. Puram, was attended by Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, who served as the Chief Guest. The roadmap sets out a detailed plan to expand India’s nuclear capacity from its current level of approximately 8,180 MW as of early 2025, outl..