【SMM News Flash】 US plans support for 84 grid projects across eight states, adding about 2.5 GW

October 13, EnergyPathways announced the closing of its previously launched fundraising, raising £1.75 million from one institutional investor at 5.75 pence per share. Proceeds are intended to advance MESH, acquire key assets including land and existing pipelines, and provide working capital. MESH combines planned compressed-air energy storage with natural gas and hydrogen storage, with a 300 MW/55 GWh long-duration storage configuration. Hydrogen operations are targeted for 2029–2030 and long-duration storage for 2031–2032, subject to policy, approvals and financing. The placing also remains conditional on admission of the new shares, among other conditions.

October 13, Central Electricity Authority Chairperson Ghanshyam Prasad told an Indian Chamber of Commerce event that India’s coal capacity additions required by 2035 could rise from the previously planned 97 GW to 105 GW or even 150 GW. These additions use 2023 as the baseline, reflecting rising demand and lower hydropower output. Prasad also said renewable capacity would continue expanding, with annual additions expected to exceed 50 GW. In September, India’s electricity shortfall reached 560 million kWh, coal generation rose 13.3% year on year and hydropower generation fell 20%.

October 10, the National Energy Administration inspected power supply preparations in Beijing for the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, checking equipment operation and emergency resources at key sites. Regulatory Director Liang Changxin led the inspection, joined by electricity regulators, Beijing’s urban management authority and State Grid. Participating organizations were instructed to implement supply-security responsibilities and preventive measures, refine power supply and emergency plans, and strengthen operational safety and cybersecurity. They must also maintain duty staffing and promptly report and address incidents to secure electricity supply during the session.