Expert Raja Venkatraman Recommends Two Energy Stocks for January 12
Overview
Indian stock markets ended lower for a fifth consecutive session on January 9, pressured by US tariff fears and foreign capital outflows. Amid this cautious sentiment, market analyst Raja Venkatraman of NeoTrader has identified NTPC and NHPC as top energy stock recommendations for January 12, detailing buy levels, stop losses, and target prices.
Stocks Mentioned
Indian equity benchmarks, the Sensex and Nifty 50, concluded Friday, January 9, in negative territory for the fifth straight session. This downturn was fueled by renewed concerns over U.S. tariffs, apprehension ahead of the second-quarter earnings season, and sustained foreign institutional investor (FII) outflows.
The Sensex plummeted 605 points, or 0.72%, to close at 83,576.24, while the Nifty 50 saw a decline of 194 points, or 0.75%, settling at 25,683.30. Broader indices also suffered, with the BSE Midcap index down 0.90% and the Smallcap index plunging 1.74%. Over these five sessions, the Sensex has dropped 2.5%, mirroring the Nifty 50's cumulative loss.
Energy Sector Outlook
India's energy storage sector stands at a critical juncture, driven by the dual needs of integrating substantial renewable energy capacity and ensuring grid stability as peak power demand approaches 300 GW. With renewable capacity already exceeding 254 GW, energy storage is deemed essential to meet India's 2030 target of 500 GW non-fossil fuel capacity.
The nation has made significant strides, crossing the 50% non-fossil capacity mark ahead of schedule. In 2025 alone, nearly 50 GW of renewable capacity was added, primarily driven by solar installations. Total installed power capacity now stands at approximately 510 GW.
Storage Demand and Challenges
Managing projected peak demand nearing 300 GW and an annual electricity demand growth of 6-7% will necessitate an estimated 230 GWh of energy storage capacity by 2030. Projections from the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) indicate total storage requirements could reach about 411 GWh by 2031-32, with battery energy storage systems (BESS) accounting for a significant portion. However, challenges such as ultra-low bidding, financing risks, and the need for robust safety standards persist.
Policy support is evolving, with viability gap funding for BESS projects and transmission charge waivers in place. Experts advocate for diverse revenue streams and the adoption of advanced storage technologies.
Stock Recommendations
Against this backdrop, market analyst Raja Venkatraman of NeoTrader has identified two energy sector stocks for investors to consider.
NTPC Ltd (Current market price: ₹336)
Recommended Buy: Above ₹340, Stop Loss: ₹320, Target Price: ₹395 (Multiday)
NTPC, India's largest integrated energy company, is showing signs of a revival supported by bullish undercurrents. Technical indicators suggest a new upward phase is beginning. Its expansion into nuclear energy and long-term capacity targets could drive momentum. Key metrics include a P/E Ratio of 21.89 and a 52-week high of ₹371.10.
NHPC Ltd (Current market price: ₹82.43)
Recommended Buy: Above ₹83, Stop Loss: ₹79, Target Price: ₹93 (Multiday)
NHPC Ltd, India's largest hydropower developer, is positioned to benefit from the energy sector's growing prominence. The company is focused on clean energy generation, primarily hydro, alongside solar and wind. Its stock has consolidated strongly, holding recent trendlines, with the RSI indicating potential for an upward move. The P/E Ratio stands at 29.16, with a 52-week high of ₹92.30.
